Former NFL star Jason Kelce believes it's time for U.S. men's national team supporters to retire one of American soccer's most recognizable chants.
Appearing on the Unfiltered Soccer podcast with U.S. soccer legends Landon Donovan and Tim Howard, the former Philadelphia Eagles center argued that the famous "I believe that we will win" chant reflects what he called a "loser mentality" and doesn't belong at the FIFA World Cup.
Kelce explained that he has never liked the chant because it sounds like the fans are trying to convince themselves their team has a chance instead of expressing confidence.
"I believe that we will win" suggests hope, he argued, when elite teams and their fan bases should already expect victory.
And he's not the only one noticing. Global soccer fans have mocked American chants like "I believe that we will win" because they sound like polite, rehearsed high school cheerleading scripts rather than organic football passion. Critics from Europe and South America relentlessly ridicule the lack of rhythm, wit, and edge in US chants.
According to Kelce, fans of powerhouse teams don't spend matches chanting about belief, they simply know their team is capable of winning.
Why Kelce wants USMNT Fans to Evolve
To illustrate his point, Kelce pointed to Brazil's passionate supporters.
He recalled hearing Brazilian fans sing chants that essentially translated to: "We came here to f**k you up."
Kelce said he prefers that fearless mentality because it projects confidence and intimidates opponents instead of focusing on belief. For him, the difference is psychological.
Rather than trying to reassure themselves that victory is possible, fans should send the message that they fully expect their team to dominate.
He believes the United States has grown as a soccer nation and that its fans should adopt chants that reflect confidence, ambition and swagger on the world stage.
Instead of repeatedly chanting, "I believe that we will win," Kelce argued Americans should embrace songs that project certainty and make opposing teams feel unwelcome from kickoff.
A chant synonymous with American soccer
The "I believe that we will win" chant has become one of the defining traditions of U.S. soccer.
Originally created outside professional soccer, it exploded in popularity during the 2014 FIFA World Cup and has since become a staple at USMNT matches, led by supporters' groups such as the American Outlaws.
Although many fans view it as an iconic part of the team's identity, Kelce thinks American soccer culture should develop chants that better match the atmosphere created by other soccer fans in countries like Brazil, Argentina and England.
