Would the U.S. actually win the World Cup if its best athletes played soccer?

The idea that the US could dominate the World Cup if its top athletes from other sports switched to soccer is a tantalizing one, especially for fans who feel like the country is underperforming on the global stage. However, this notion overlooks the complexity and nuance of the sport, as well as the years of dedicated training and development that top soccer players undergo. It's not just a matter of athleticism, but also of technical skill, tactical awareness, and experience playing the game at a high level.

The reality is that sports like football, basketball, and baseball require different types of athleticism and skill sets than soccer, and it's unlikely that even the best athletes from these sports could simply pick up soccer and excel at it. Additionally, the US already has a robust soccer development system in place, with many talented young players coming up through the ranks. Rather than focusing on hypothetical scenarios, fans should be excited about the real progress being made by the USMNT and the growing popularity of soccer in the country.

As the USMNT continues to develop and compete on the world stage, fans should be watching for signs of improvement and growth from the team, rather than getting distracted by fantasies about what could be. The next major tournament is always just around the corner, and with the US set to host the World Cup in 2026, there's plenty to be excited about. Fans should be paying attention to the team's progress, as well as the development of young players and the growth of the sport as a whole in the US, rather than getting caught up in unrealistic speculation about what could happen if top athletes from other sports switched to soccer.

Originally reported by espn.com. TourNews adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.