Lalas slams US players over World Cup pressure talk

(Agencies)

NEW YORK, May 22: Former United States defender Alexi Lalas has criticised American players for talking about pressure ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, saying the squad should embrace expectations while playing at home.

Speaking at a Fox event promoting World Cup coverage, Lalas described the players as “whiners” over discussions surrounding pressure and said the current generation had been provided with every possible resource and opportunity.Top American star Christian Pulisic had earlier admitted that pressure existed ahead of the tournament but insisted he was ready to handle it collectively with the team.Lalas also questioned Pulisic’s leadership qualities, saying the AC Milan forward may never become the leader many expect, though he still believed the 27-year-old could emerge as one of the greatest American footballers in history.

The former defender backed the United States to progress beyond the group stage and reach at least the round of 16 in the tournament, which the country will co-host alongside Canada and Mexico.

Lalas also jokingly remarked that he would support “anybody but England” to win the World Cup, while retired Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimović urged pundits to show more belief in the United States’ chances of lifting the trophy.