Megan Rapinoe attacked the U.S. men’s national soccer team, criticizing the team’s new campaign slogan ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The former U.S. women’s national team star said she was uncomfortable with the phrase “don’t chase reality,” arguing that it unintentionally gave a negative connotation to the team’s confidence.
Rapinoe shared her thoughts on a recent episode of the podcast “A Touch More,” which she co-hosts with partner Sue Bird and sportscaster Katie Nolan.
“The team’s slogan going into the World Cup was like a failure. Their slogan was ‘Never follow reality,'” Rapinoe said. “I don’t think I’m saying what you think I’m saying.”
Rapinoe added that to her, the phrase sounded as if the team was already questioning their level. “Why didn’t we stick with something like ‘dream big’?” she said. “It sounded to me like you already thought you were no good. That’s why I didn’t like it.”
Rapinoe’s criticism comes at a sensitive time for the USMNT.
U.S. Soccer released the slogan with a 90-second promotional video narrated by actor Marcello Hernandez, and defended the campaign’s meaning in a statement released alongside the video.
“This campaign is not just about soccer, it’s about the American dream,” Hernandez said. “Never following reality means dreaming boldly, ignoring the odds.”
Rapinoe’s comments come as the USMNT prepares to host the 2026 World Cup, with games scheduled across the United States next summer. Coach Mauricio Pochettino’s U.S. team will be placed in Group D, where they will face Australia, Paraguay, Turkey, Romania, Slovakia and Kosovo.
The USMNT will play Paraguay on June 12th at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles before traveling to Seattle to face Australia on June 19th. The group stage concludes with a return to Los Angeles on June 25th.
Rapinoe’s voice has great influence in the media
Rapinoe, who has earned 203 caps with the U.S. women’s national team and won back-to-back World Cups in 2015 and 2019, has long been outspoken on issues both in and out of soccer.
In recent years, she has frequently addressed political and social topics, including her vocal opposition to policies affecting transgender athletes.
Rapinoe’s recent comments focused squarely on messaging and tone, making it clear that she believes words matter, especially as the world watches as America prepares to host the sport’s biggest stage.
