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Every player representing their country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will do everything in their power to achieve victory on the world’s biggest football stage.
For the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT), that means a little more since the World Cup will be played on home soil this summer.
The 26 men who have been announced on the official roster know what is at stake, as the home fans are ready to cheer on the Stars and Stripes in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these players. In turn, Clint Dempsey, a three-time World Cup participant with the USMNT, believes this group will do what he did on this stage during his playing years.
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United States forward Clint Dempsey plays against Belgium during the round of 16 of the 2014 World Cup at Arena Fonte Nova. Belgium beat the United States 2-1 in overtime. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports)
“As you can see, I’ve already given in my nose. I’ve broken it. I’ve already come back from two heart surgeries trying to qualify for 2018 [World Cup]. People make a lot of sacrifices to represent their country. I think there is no greater honor,” Dempsey told PK Press Club Digital, while highlighting his work as a mentor for the “Abbott Dream Team,” a program from global healthcare leader Abbott and the Real Madrid soccer club.
During the 2014 World Cup, Dempsey was punched in the face and blood was flowing from his nose which he suspected was broken. He was right, but it didn’t sink in until after the match.
Dempsey, the team captain, led by example in pushing through pain in the United States’ 2-1 victory over Ghana. He scored the first goal just 34 seconds into the game, and it didn’t matter that an accidental shin smacked him in the face. He didn’t leave the field.
Next, Dempsey underwent two separate heart procedures to resolve an irregular heart rhythm. The United States did not qualify for the World Cup in 2018, but Dempsey did his best to get back in that uniform to represent his country.
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After all, his dream has always been to play in the World Cup for his country, and even if he had done it three times already, he would do his best to play again.
“When I was a kid, this is what I prayed for when I went to sleep: to play for my country and participate in the World Cup,” he added.
For some members of the USMNT, including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, this will be the second time they have had the privilege of doing so. For others like Ricardo Pepi, Alex Zendejas and Sebastian Berhalter, their dreams will come true on June 12 against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Clint Dempsey of the United States receives treatment for a nose injury during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Group G match against Ghana at Estadio das Dunas in Natal, Brazil, June 16, 2014. (Alex Livesey/FIFA/Getty Images)
But it’s about more than just stepping onto this pitch and taking on countries from around the world. The opportunity to write this USMNT in the history books, on home soil, is always present for the 26 men who are embarking on this World Cup adventure.
Dempsey knows that this group has what it takes to succeed, and he is also confident that they will take pride in their country and use the home fans to their advantage, as he would.
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As much as it is about the love of the game, the World Cup is also a showcase of immense pride in where someone comes from. For Dempsey, patriotism runs deep and always will.
“I was on the podcast the other day with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard, and I think there’s nothing truer to say than what they were talking about: ‘If you were on a club team, which club team would you have picked out of all the teams you were on?’ I said to myself, “And if we put it like that, if you had to bury me in a coffin, what shirt would I have?” It would be the American jersey,” he said.
“So that lets you know how I feel about representing my country and how much it means to me.”
THE ABBOTT DREAM TEAM
For the second year in a row, Dempsey is helping Abbott and Real Madrid with “Abbott Dream Team,” a program encouraging young soccer players ages 18-19 from across the United States to participate in a unique developmental experience at one of the world’s best soccer clubs in Madrid.
Selected participants will train with Real Madrid coaches at the team’s facilities, while enjoying unique experiences, such as attending a match at the Bernabéu stadium and meeting team legends. Abbott’s health experts and Real Madrid’s medical team will also continue to provide these players with the latest advances in health and sports nutrition, helping them better understand their bodies, adopt healthier habits and achieve their best performances on and off the pitch.
Clint Dempsey looks on before the Concacaf Nations League semifinal between the United States and Panama at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on March 20, 2025. (Omar Vega/Getty Images)
“It’s awesome, man. Anytime you can give back and give kids an opportunity to pursue their dreams, that’s what it’s all about,” Dempsey said of his role in the case. “I have kids myself and that’s what I try to do. I try to help them realize their dreams, take them to all their football practices and give them the best possible chance to do something big. It’s one of those things where you have a tryout, you have Real Madrid coaches here watching you, and no matter what happens, you take something away from that experience.
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“Just being here, letting [the players] I know it’s important, and I’m proud of them for betting on themselves and going all out to try something like this.”
Besides Dempsey, Real Madrid legend Marcelo will also join this year’s Abbott Dream Team as a mentor.
Tests have already taken place in Miami, Washington, D.C. and Houston, where Dempsey was Wednesday morning. There are still tests planned for Kansas City (June 2), Los Angeles (June 4) and Chicago (June 9).
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