Petit: “Even if the USMNT won the World Cup, I don’t think it would change anything”
The former France international spoke about the USMNT’s chances of progression against Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Emmanuel Petit never hides his feelings on football, and neither should he. The former French international won the first division in his native country, as well as a Coupe de France. He also won England’s FA Cup. And a Premier League. Add to that a European championship.
And, of course, the World Cup.
He’s also officially known as a Knight of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest honour, meaning his opinion on football is quite a valid one.
So when he says that Erling Haaland can’t be compared with Harry Kane, he’s probably right. “Erling Haaland is a great striker,” Petit gladly admitted, “but you cannot compare him to Harry Kane, especially on a technical level. I am very curious about the season coming with Manchester City since Pep Guardiola left the club.”
“I am wondering how they are going to play under Enzo Maresca. Haaland relies on his teammates most of the time. When he gets older, like Cristiano Ronaldo, he will need even more support from his team-mates. Kane doesn’t play like that.”
Wednesday by the Bay. 🇺🇸🆚🇧🇦 pic.twitter.com/fb9hszGTEl
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 30, 2026
“I don’t see the USA going any further”
Petit also spoke about the World Cup co-hosts, the USMNT, and revealed he thinks “they will be able to beat Bosnia”, although admitting that “Bosnia have good defensive structure and they play for set pieces and corners. Bosnia will have a few chances to score, but they are not one of the best teams in the World Cup.”
Curiously, Petit expanded on the implications should the co-hosts win: “even if they won the World Cup, I don’t think it would change anything,” he said, adding that “American people like what is American. This is their culture and the way they live. Even if they do something great, it won’t change the culture of the country."
On going deep into the World Cup, Petit said that they “might have a chance” of beating Belgium but against Senegal, not so: “I don’t see the USA going any further.”
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