Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, predicted the U.S. men’s national soccer team will defeat its next World Cup opponent [1].
This prediction comes as the U.S. seeks to maintain momentum during the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Portnoy's public backing reflects a growing confidence in the team's ability to compete at a high level on the global stage.
Speaking during an interview on Fox & Friends, Portnoy said the U.S. team laid down a marker with a 4-1 [2] victory over Paraguay in their opening match. He said the team can repeat that performance in the next game.
There is conflicting information regarding which team Portnoy singled out for defeat. Some reports indicate he believes the U.S. will smash the Australians [2], while other sources suggest he named Belgium as the next opponent [1].
Portnoy also mentioned his personal financial stakes in the tournament. He said, "I have World Cup fever" [2]. While some reports link his betting activity to the U.S. match, other accounts state he is placing a max bet on the match between Ivory Coast and Norway [3].
Despite the contradictions in the specific matchups, Portnoy emphasized that the U.S. is in a position to dominate. He said the team is playing with a level of aggression and skill that should carry them through the group stage — a sentiment he backed with his own wagering activity.
“We are going to smash the Australians.”
Portnoy's predictions highlight the intersection of sports betting and national team fandom during a home World Cup. While his specific target for victory varies across reports, the focus on a 'max bet' underscores the high-stakes nature of the 2026 tournament for both fans and professional bettors.
