Tim Howard Sets Quarterfinals as USA World Cup Goal

For the first time ever, a World Cup final will be played in the New York/New Jersey area, and former US goalkeeper Tim Howard gets to witness it in his home state.

Howard, who grew up in central New Jersey and went pro there, never made it to a World Cup final as a player. In fact, no American team ever has. But the 47-year-old is setting clear expectations for what success looks like when the tournament kicks off on home soil.

"I think we win the group, and we should win the group," Howard told Fox News Digital. The USA is the highest-ranked team in its group, which includes Australia, Paraguay, and Turkey.

The real test comes next. Howard believes Team USA needs to reach the quarterfinals for the tournament to be considered a success. That means winning the group, beating a third-place team in the Round of 32, then taking down a top-10 opponent in the Round of 16.

"That's easy on paper. A lot of things have to happen," Howard acknowledged. "I think this is a really talented team. Can they come together, all play their best soccer at the same time? We'll see."

Howard partnered with Lysol ahead of the tournament and continues living an active lifestyle years after retirement. He knows the pressure is on for this young squad to deliver results.

The Bright Side

Even if things don't go according to plan, Howard sees reasons for optimism about American soccer's future. The infrastructure, money, and support system are stronger than ever before.

"If the United States Men's National Team has a tragic summary, and they fail, and they don't get out of the group, soccer's not going to go backwards in this country," he said. A disappointing result would only make fans hungrier for success.

Howard has never attended a World Cup final in person, only watching on television throughout his life and career. Now he'll experience the world's biggest sporting event in the place he called home, watching a new generation of American players chase history.