The FIFA World Cup is right around the corner with the whole world eagerly waiting for the sporting extravaganza. The same applies to the ‘Inside the NBA’ crew. Talking on the latest episode, Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Ernie Johnson, and Kenny Smith touched upon the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Notably, the United States Men’s National Team, led by soccer star Christian Pulisic, is representing the United States in the upcoming World Cup.

With a young team consisting of high-potential players, the team is widely considered a dark house. However, Barkley feels the team isn’t great enough. Interestingly enough, Shaq seemed to agree with Chuck in this regard.

Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley dismiss USMNT World Cup chances

The FIFA World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, if not the biggest. Happening every four years, this year’s edition is being held in Qatar starting on the 20th of November. Talking about Turner sports striking a deal with UEFA, Charles Barkley didn’t seem too pleased with his country’s history with soccer.

He said, “In a sport that the United States sucks in, we should not be involved in it.” Interestingly, Shaquille O’Neal seemed to agree. He responded, “That means we suck.“

Although Barkley doesn’t seem to put his faith in the current team, he has a guarantee. According to the NBA Hall of Famer, the USMNT is going to win the next edition of the World Cup.

Barkley said, “I got another guarantee, the United States is going to win the World Cup, next time we have it.” Not to forget that the next edition will take place in 2026. And it will be hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

USMNT’s history at the World Cup

The United States played in the inaugural edition of the World Cup all the way back in 1930. However, after the tournament expanded in teams, they failed to qualify for quite a long time.

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They returned after qualifying for the 1990 World Cup. Their best performance came in 2002 when they reached the Quarter Finals before eventually getting knocked out by Germany.

Christian Pulisic has the burden of expectations heading into this year’s World Cup. Along with a young team of stars playing in leagues around the world, the USMNT definitely has what it takes to script history.

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Do you agree with Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley? Let us know in the comments down below.