Megan Rapinoe has criticized the United States men’s national soccer team (USMNT) for its chosen campaign slogan ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The former soccer star specifically took issue with the team’s new slogan, “Never Chase Reality,” arguing that it carries negative connotations about the team’s abilities.
Rapinoe addressed the topic in a recent episode of her podcast, “A Touch More,” which she co-hosts with partner Sue Bird and sports presenter Katie Nolan.
“The team’s slogan before the World Cup was like their downfall, and their slogan is ‘Never chase reality.’ I was like, guys, I don’t think it says what you think it says,” Rapinoe said on the podcast.
“I’m kind of like, why didn’t we stay true to ‘Dream Big?’ To me it said you already think you’re no good. So, I didn’t like it.
The slogan was unveiled alongside a 90-second film narrated by actor Marcello Hernández – who defended the meaning of the phrase, explaining that “never chasing reality means ignoring the odds and daring to dream.”
Megan Rapinoe criticized the USMNT ahead of the 2026 World Cup next summer
The former football star took particular issue with the team’s new slogan; “Never chase reality”
“This campaign is not just about football; it’s about the American dream. Never chasing reality means ignoring the odds and daring to dream,” he said in the statement.
“I played soccer from the age of four through college and have been a fan of the United States men’s and women’s national team since I was a child, so it’s an honor to bring my passion and enthusiasm for the game to American soccer.”
Rapinoe has made 203 international appearances for the United States women’s national soccer team and helped lead them to back-to-back World Cups in 2015 and 2019.
His criticism comes as the USMNT prepares to host the 2026 World Cup.
Mauricio Pochettino and his team will face Australia, Paraguay and Turkey, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo in Group D in next summer’s competition.
The USMNT will begin its tournament at SoFi Stadium against Paraguay on June 12 at 9 p.m. EDT, before traveling to Seattle to face Australia on June 19.
They will then return to Los Angeles for their final match of the group, which will see them face Turkey, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo on June 25 at 10 p.m. EDT.
Rapinoe, meanwhile, has never been shy about expressing her opinions and previously attacked Donald Trump’s order banning transgender athletes from playing women’s sports.
She specifically objected to the president’s assertion that the order is intended to protect female athletes, calling the reasoning “disingenuous.”
Mauricio Pochettino and his team will face Australia, Paraguay and Turkey, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo in Group D in next summer’s competition.
Rapinoe has made 203 international appearances for the United States women’s national soccer team and helped lead them to back-to-back World Cups in 2015 and 2019.
“I think it’s really cruel,” Rapinoe said football publication, MUNDIAL. “You know, if you take all that away, it’s just a little cruel and depraved. This is not a problem and you will not be able to make trans people disappear by decree.
The former Team USA captain has a long history of criticism of Trump, particularly focusing in 2022 after the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Rapinoe has consistently supported trans rights, joining 40 other professional athletes in 2023 to sign a letter opposing bills that would exclude trans athletes from women’s sports.
The issue has become a flashpoint in the national debate, often centering on athletes like swimmer Lia Thomas and volleyball player Blaire Fleming.
