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Tim Howard Has a Bold Prediction and Drink for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

By Ruvani de Silva Men's Journal

Updated June 11, 2026 4:24 PM

It's hard to find a United States soccer player with a more impressive pedigree than goalkeeping legend Tim Howard. The most capped goalkeeper of all-time for the US men's national team, Howard made a groundbreaking 121 appearances between 2002 and 2017 and his phenomenal 16 saves against Belgium in the 2014 World Cup remains a record. With longtime stints at major Premier League clubs Manchester United and Everton under his belt, which was truly unprecedented for an American player of his generation, the so-called Secretary of Defense is excited to be welcoming the 2026 World Cup to his home turf.

"It's huge! I appreciate the fact that I was a big part of US soccer, so I'm very thankful for the part that I played," he said. "As a fan, as an educator, as someone who has played the game at this level, I'm enjoying it. And right now, soccer in America is the greatest it's ever been."

Howard is now a part of Jim Beam's Home Field Advantage promotion, which aims to engage fans and promote the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). The push started with a viral commercial starring Howard and also includes the launch of a limited-edition Jim Beam Bourbon and USSF bottle.

Read on for my interview with Howard about all things bourbon and the World Cup.

How did you first get involved with the Home Advantage campaign?

Well, Jim Beam is an incredible partner and Home Field Advantage is something that we both believe in. It centers around a fan first experience, and that community and culture is what drives the sport. It resonated with me as a player. I felt that on the field. I felt the inspiration that came from the fans and now I'm a part of that. I no longer play, which is totally cool, but I get to be a fan. And I think that's where Jim Beam and I sort of had this understanding that now I am the biggest super fan and I am part of that community and that culture.

Before the campaign, were you a big fan of Jim Beam Bourbon? And how best do you like to drink it?

I've always been a fan of Jim Beam-normally neat. This summer it is Beam and lemonade just because it's so refreshing and it pairs perfectly. So for me, I'll be doing that most of the summer.

There's a lot of fans who are unfortunately not going to be able to get tickets to World Cup matches. What's the best way for them to watch the action?

It's great to be in the stadium. It's also great to be in the bars drinking Beam, in the parks, at the watch parties and the fan fests that are put on in and around the stadium in the host cities. And Jim Beam's doing that. And it's an opportunity to experience the pageantry. I use that word when I talk about soccer. It's more than just kicking the ball. There's this togetherness.

Historically, bourbon doesn't have a close relationship with soccer. How do you think the World Cup will change that?

Well, look, I think bourbon is America's drink and with the partnership with the US Soccer Federation, that only reiterates that. And I think you're going to see people [who are watching] enjoying Beam and lemonade, and so I think that that is going to catch on as a cultural phenomenon.

So if you're not at the stadium, where do you like watching football best?

I think number one would have to be in a bar. The energy is sort of like being in the stadium because it gets a bit raucous and rowdy, and everyone's yelling at the TV like you'd yell at the referee or the players. But for big games, I like to be at home. I like to be with friends who I actually like being around, just in case the result doesn't go our way.

Which matches are you most excited about? And if the US does get knocked out, who will you be supporting?

Of course, I'm really excited for the first US game, which I'll be at in LA. The US results are important to me. Portugal is a team that I think is one of the most talented in the tournament. They've got a brilliant manager who I played for, Roberto Martinez. And of course, the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, a former teammate of mine. So I would love to see him lift a trophy, so I'll be pulling for the US and Portugal.

What team will win the World Cup ?

I think the winner is going to come from Spain or France. If you're asking me to pick one, I think Spain. Spain does have such an uber-young, talented team, but the thing about youth is it's naive. It doesn't care about mistakes. It's bold. It's brash. And I just think in a World Cup on this stage, those Spain players are going to shine, I really do.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the Drink section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 3:02 PM.