Megan Rapinoe Questions US Men’s National Team’s World Cup Slogan

Former US women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe stirred conversations about the US men’s national soccer team’s campaign as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Her comments came during a recent episode of the podcast A Touch More, where she discussed the team’s newly unveiled slogan, “Never Chase Reality.”

The Meaning Behind the Slogan

The US men’s national team has launched its campaign for the upcoming World Cup with a 90-second promotional film narrated by Marcello Hernandez. According to the team, “Never Chase Reality” embodies their journey toward the tournament.

Rapinoe’s Critique

During the podcast, Rapinoe shared her skepticism regarding the slogan, stating:

“The team’s slogan going into the World Cup, this was like their drop, and their slogan is ‘Never chase reality.’ I was like, guys, I don’t think it’s saying what you think it’s saying. To me, it said like you already think you’re not good. So, I didn’t like that.”

Alternative Ideas

She suggested the slogan could have been more uplifting, remarking, “Why didn’t we just stick with, ‘Dream big?’”

Understanding the Intent

Hernandez, the narrator, expressed that the campaign extends beyond soccer, touching on deeper themes:

"This campaign isn’t just about soccer; it’s about the American dream. Never chasing reality means ignoring the odds and daring to dream."

Historical Context

The US men’s team, often touted as the "golden generation," has struggled to find significant success on the world stage. Despite reaching the knockout stage in the 2022 World Cup—tying with England but eventually falling to the Netherlands—it has yet to capture the same acclaim as the women’s squad.

Upcoming Challenges

As the World Cup approaches, the US will face tough competition. They are set to compete against Paraguay, Australia, and an additional European team emerging from the UEFA playoff.

Key Takeaways

• Slogan: “Never Chase Reality”
• Critique: Highlighted by Megan Rapinoe on A Touch More
• Historical Performance: The men’s team has made it to the quarterfinals but still seeks greater success.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 World Cup represents not just a sporting event but a pivotal moment for the US men’s national team as they aim for redemption and glory on an international platform. With the campaign’s controversial slogan and the team’s aspirations, it will be fascinating to see how they perform in the months to come.

For more details on the US Men’s National Team, visit U.S. Soccer.