Megan Rapinoe has taken aim at the U.S. men’s national soccer team, criticizing its newly unveiled campaign slogan ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The former U.S. women’s national team star said she was put off by the phrase “Never Chase Reality,” arguing that it carries unintended and negative implications about the team’s self-belief.
Rapinoe shared her thoughts on a recent episode of A Touch More, the podcast she co-hosts with partner Sue Bird and sportscaster Katie Nolan.
“The team’s slogan going into the World Cup – this was like their drop – and their slogan is ‘Never chase reality,'” Rapinoe said. “I was like, guys, I don’t think it’s saying what you think it’s saying.”
Rapinoe added that, to her, the phrase sounded as if the team already doubted its own level. “Why didn’t we just stick with something like ‘Dream big?'” she said. “To me, it sounded like you already think you’re not good. So, I didn’t like that.”
Rapinoe’s criticism comes at a delicate time for the USMNT
U.S. Soccer unveiled the slogan alongside a 90-second promotional film narrated by actor Marcello Hernandez, who defended the campaign’s meaning in a statement released with the video.
“This campaign isn’t just about soccer; it’s about the American dream,” Hernandez said. “Never chasing reality means ignoring the odds and daring to dream.”
Rapinoe’s comments come as the USMNT prepares to host the 2026 World Cup, with matches set across the United States next summer. Led by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the Americans have been drawn into Group D, where they will face Australia, Paraguay, and one of Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo.
The USMNT will open the tournament at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles against Paraguay on June 12, before traveling to Seattle to play Australia on June 19. The group stage concludes with a return to Los Angeles on June 25.
Rapinoe’s voice carries significant weight in the media
Rapinoe, who earned 203 caps for the U.S. women’s national team and won back-to-back World Cups in 2015 and 2019, has long been outspoken on issues within and beyond soccer.
In recent years, she has frequently weighed in on political and social topics, including vocal opposition to policies affecting transgender athletes.
While her latest comments focused squarely on messaging and tone, Rapinoe made clear she believes words matter – especially with the world watching as the United States prepares to host the sport’s biggest stage.
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