Megan Rapinoe criticizes USMNT World Cup campaign slogan: ‘I don’t think it’s saying what you think’

WASHINGTON, DC: Megan Rapinoe, the former star of the United States women’s national soccer team, recently expressed her disapproval of the US men’s national soccer team’s new promotional campaign for the 2026 World Cup.

During her recent podcast, Rapinoe criticized the squad’s choice of slogans, suggesting the messaging lacks the confidence required for the world stage.

Megan Rapinoe criticizes USMNT’s ‘Never Chase Reality’ World Cup slogan

The US men’s national team recently debuted its "Never Chase Reality" campaign, a 90-second promotional film narrated by Marcello Hernandez intended to mark the journey toward the 2026 tournament.

While the team stated in a release that the slogan "reflects the journey to 26 for the Men’s National Team," Rapinoe found the wording confusing.

Speaking on the latest episode of 'A Touch More' alongside partner Sue Bird and sportscaster Katie Nolan, Rapinoe did not hold back her criticism of the creative direction.

"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," Rapinoe said during the podcast.

She further stated, "I’m kinda like, why didn’t we just stick with, ‘Dream big?’ To me, it said like you already think you’re not good. So, I didn’t like that."

Marcello Hernandez clarifies meaning behind USMNT slogan

Earlier, Marcello Hernandez, the narrator, clarified the meaning of the slogan. "This campaign isn’t just about soccer; it’s about the American dream. Never chasing reality means ignoring the odds and daring to dream," Hernandez said in the official release.

He noted that as a lifelong fan of both the men’s and women’s programs, it was an honor to bring his personal enthusiasm to the project. 

The debate over branding comes at a time when the men’s team is under immense pressure to deliver, given that the squad is often referred to as the “golden generation.”

Historically, the US men have struggled to find consistent success on the world stage, with their most notable recent runs including a quarterfinal appearance in 2002 and a knockout-stage exit in 2022 after a loss to the Netherlands.

The new campaign is an attempt to rejuvenate a fan base eager to see the team finally break through to the elite ranks of global soccer.

World Cup draw gives US men a clear path forward

Following the recent World Cup draw, many analysts view the situation for the United States as highly favorable for advancing to the later stages of the tournament.

The US will compete in Group A, facing Paraguay and Australia, along with another team to be determined through the UEFA playoff route.

By avoiding top-tier giants such as Argentina, France, or Spain in the opening stage, the US men have a clear roadmap to build momentum on home soil. The US is set to kick off the tournament on June 12 in Los Angeles against Paraguay.