Soccer in the United States and the US national team are both headed in the right direction. At least, the legendary Pele seems to think so.
In New York City this past weekend, Pele had nothing but positive things to say about the state of soccer in the United States in an interview with the New York Post. The former Brazilian forward, who won three World Cups during his playing career, even stated that he believes the 2026 World Cup should be awarded to the North American country.
“Oh, yes. No doubt. No doubt,’’ Pele told The New York Post. “I am one who did some work for the World Cup to be here, and the organizers were perfect. They deserve it, no doubt, for the vote in FIFA to give them the next World Cup.’’
The United States did attempt to bid on the 2022 World Cup, but were controversially beaten for the hosting rights to that tournament by Qatar. There has been interest from the US, who hosted the 1994 World Cup, in bidding for the 2026 World Cup. That will not be decided until May 2017, however.
For now, much of the national spotlight is on Jurgen Klinsmann's side on the road to the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The Americans are coming off a 2-0 win against Mexico, but there are still some concerns about the state of the team.
Pele does not share those worries, though. He thinks the US is a quality side that just needs some more experience in order to take the next step.
“People don’t understand: The National Team of America is a very good team,’’ said Pele. “Always I call attention to the [2002] World Cup in Japan. They almost qualified [for the semifinal]. It was a mistake against Germany [in a 1-0 loss], that was almost in the semifinal.
“The national team is good. What they need is to have more exchange of experience. You don’t see them play in South America, in Europe, in Africa. It’s this experience they need. It’s important to get this experience, no doubt."
