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Cobi Jones knows a thing or two about representing the United States on the football field. In fact, no American football player has had this experience more than the former USMNT star.
Jones, the all-time leader in appearances for the United States men’s national team with 164 caps, represented the United States at the 1992 Summer Olympics and three World Cups.
The 55-year-old has seen it all when it comes to wearing the red, white and blue on the field, including his appearance at the 1994 World Cup, the last time the tournament was held in the United States.
Former United States player Cobi Jones reacts before the international friendly match between the United States and Germany at Soldier Field on June 6, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Omar Vega/USSF/Getty Images) (Omar Vega/USSF/Getty Images)
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Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which begins Friday for the USMNT in Los Angeles, Jones shared the pressure-focused message he will convey to the national team ahead of this monumental event across North America.
“What I would tell them about playing for their country, I would tell them to understand that there’s going to be pressure because it’s a home World Cup, but understand that all of these people that you think that pressure is coming from, all of these people are cheering for you,” Jones told PK Press Club Digital at the 2026 World Cup launch party on the blue carpet at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. “All want you to do good, all want you to succeed. We all encourage you, we all support you in every way.”
Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States is scored by Joshua Kimmich #6 of Germany during the international friendly match between the United States and Germany at Soldier Field on June 6, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Omar Vega/USSF/Getty Images) (Omar Vega/USSF/Getty Images)
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While reflecting on his experiences representing his country, Jones also highlighted the overall sense of pride he has always felt as one of the most important figures in the history of American men’s soccer.
“Playing for the United States, the national team, the Olympic team over the years, I always had a sense of pride,” Jones said. “There was always a time when people thought soccer wasn’t for Americans, so to be part of this generation to prove them wrong and turn the tide, so to speak, and make people accept American players and want American players on their team gives me that pride.”
John Harkes and Cobi Jones, former players of the 1994 USA team, react before the international friendly match between the United States and Germany at Soldier Field on June 6, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Omar Vega/USSF/Getty Images) (Omar Vega/USSF/Getty Images)
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As for Jones’ predictions for the USMNT in the 2026 World Cup, he would just like to see the team win their group, which includes Australia, Turkey and Paraguay.
The USMNT will first face Paraguay at 9 p.m. ET on Friday.
