The Power of the Home Crowd Can Drive USMNT at World Cup
France World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf believes the home backing from USA and Canada supporters will stand both squads in good stead to spring a surprise this summer, having drawn on his own experience back in 1998.
Leboeuf won the World Cup with France in 1998 in their own backyard, cruising past Brazil 3-0 in the final in Paris thanks to goals from Zinedine Zidane and Emmanuel Petit.
Lessons From France 1998
And Leboeuf believes the home fans can push USMNT and Canada on to big things, potentially surprising the elite nations along the way – even though he says playing in their own backyard will put added pressure on their shoulders.
The Chelsea legend, speaking on behalf of CSB, said: “The home fans will have a big difference. I always said that we won the World Cup because of the French people supporting us. At the beginning of the World Cup, we were criticized by the press and our games weren’t exciting.
“In terms of results, yes, but in terms of quality, we weren’t there. As soon as the World Cup started, we found something special, a spirit maybe.
“With the help of the fans, that was different. That was insane. I mean, when we lost, we couldn’t score a goal against Paraguay. It was hard.
“The fans there, they were crazy. And it’s because of that that the players didn’t feel the tightness and they kept on fighting and found a way to win that game against Croatia, losing one nil. [Lilian] Thuram scored that goal, two goals coming from nowhere.
“I always say it’s because of the fans. And yes, it puts more pressure on you, but it’s a good pressure.”
Pochettino’s Roster and the Road Ahead
Leboeuf’s comments come just as Mauricio Pochettino named his roster for the upcoming World Cup, also being co-hosted by Mexico.
Overall, 13 players remain from the squad who made the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup – and Pochettino will be looking at his key stars like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams to stand up and be counted for this summer.
USMNT’s first match at the World Cup takes place against Paraguay on June 12, before they face Australia and Turkey in their remaining group fixtures.
