By Ainsley Flood and Jim Sciutto, NCS
(NCS) — American soccer participant Miles Robinson was one of many US males’s nationwide workforce’s prime prospects heading into the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
For him, the exhausting half was already over as he had earned a uncommon, extremely coveted spot on the elite 26-man roster to symbolize his nation on sports activities’ biggest stage. But when the time got here, the then Atlanta United standout was pressured to observe from the sidelines as a ruptured Achilles tendon in his left leg heartbreakingly ended his match earlier than it even started.
Four years later, the 2026 World Cup might be a first for many, together with now 29-year-old Robinson, who will lastly get his second within the international highlight.
“We’ve got great players, a great staff, so this summer we’re going to prove a lot of things,” Robinson instructed NCS’s Jim Sciutto.
It may even be a first for head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who was appointed by US Soccer in 2024. When the Argentinian finalized the present roster, he personally messaged Robinson the information.
“It was definitely a surreal moment,” the defender stated. “I was so excited.”
The FC Cincinnati star has spent his whole membership profession within the States and has earned 40 caps with the nationwide workforce, scoring three targets since his debut for the senior aspect in 2019.
Most notably, he scored the decider in additional time through the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup remaining in opposition to Mexico – the gorgeous 117th-minute header from a set-piece represented the lone purpose of the match. Moments like these are a part of what made him a sound addition to the backline 4 years in the past.
The Achilles injury he suffered throughout an MLS match delayed the chance of a lifetime. Now, wholesome, he will get his shot to shine.
“It’s one of those things that teaches you a lot about yourself, how to overcome obstacles and kind of stay present in the moment and get better every day, and that’s what I did, so I’m really honored to be in this position right now,” Robinson instructed Scuitto.
The heart again stated he’s wanting ahead to being a a part of one thing greater than soccer.
“The fact that this World Cup is in the United States is a perfect opportunity for the world to come together, for the US to come together and recognize that we’re far more alike than unalike,” Robinson stated.
This would be the largest version of the match’s historical past: 48 groups competing throughout three nations, uniting the globe.
Massachusetts-born, Robinson might be enjoying on house soil in entrance of associates, household and nationwide workforce fanatics, an honor each participant desires of however solely only a few get. He stated that’s precisely what’s motivating this US workforce proper now.
“I kind of get chills thinking about it, recognizing that almost everyone you’ve ever met your entire life is wanting you to succeed,” Robinson stated.
The chance of advancing from the group section isn’t far-fetched, with a numerous squad of recent and seasoned gamers and up to date outcomes that supply glimmers of hope for a run within the match.
“It’s one game at a time, but I have high hopes and a lot of faith in this group,” Robinson stated.
In its first worldwide pleasant since March, the US confirmed off slick offense in a 3-2 win over Senegal in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 31. Robinson began this previous Saturday, when the workforce fell 2-1 in a bodily, testy battle in opposition to Germany in its remaining send-off match earlier than the Americans’ first group-stage recreation.
“It’s about us coming together, recognizing we’re representing much more than just ourselves,” Robinson stated. “We’re representing the country, the kids that look up to us, and I think that’s kind of our motivation going into this tournament, but I love our chances.”
Robinson and his teammates will face Paraguay in Inglewood, California, this Friday to kick off the USMNT’s 2026 FIFA World Cup marketing campaign.
The-NCS-Wire
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