Impact of the World Cup on U.S. Men’s National Team
IRVINE, Calif. — It’s a bit ironic that the 26 players organizing the World Cup seem less equipped to articulate its significance—an idea hanging in the air as practice resumed on Monday.
Their training camp is located an hour south of the Los Angeles World Cup venue. They’re set up in a beachfront hotel that offers privacy. Many players reside in Europe, with some having grown up there.
Their presence influences factors like media attention, the turnout of reporters for training sessions, and the social media content they engage with.
One player, McKennie, mentioned a plane ride where he shared videos of fans celebrating the team’s goals in various locations, from bars to public screens. “Every time we score, you see different celebrations in different places. It’s hard to grasp that when you’re in the midst of it. But I think once we step back into a routine, the impact becomes clearer. It’s truly beautiful,” he reflected.
That said, if the USMNT continues on a winning streak, this World Cup could indeed change lives. For players like Balogun, one of the highlights of this roster, that could mean soaring transfer fees and heightened demand for their talents.
U.S. soccer is certainly looking to spark more interest in events beyond the World Cup, aiming for increased attendance at games and encouraging kids to play soccer.
The players acknowledge this landscape and have frequently voiced their desire to promote the sport within the United States.
It wasn’t until they joined a crowd singing along to Bon Jovi and John Denver after Friday’s game that some teammates realized their deep connection with the fans. “You don’t fully get how much support will be in the stands until you experience it during the game,” noted Alex Freeman in Seattle on Friday. “Post-game, it was eye-opening to see the American fans rallying behind us.”
Inspiration is bound to come their way more often.
The tale of Balogun’s mother giving birth to him in Brooklyn under unusual circumstances has become legendary, though the players are still processing what this all means.
Things can change rapidly in this country, and the momentum around this team seems to be growing.
“It’s incredibly special to have nationwide support, especially for games like these. On Friday, seeing the turnout—even in a friendly match—really highlighted that,” shared Tyler Adams. “I want all our matches to matter to the public, even those who aren’t already soccer fans.”
“Let’s go to the game and enjoy it! Fans recognize player names; they’ll want to wear Alex Freeman’s jersey after he scores. That aspect is vital. It represents the game’s growth, and we know the potential exists to achieve this,” he concluded.
