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It’s officially World Cup week around the world, and for the United States men’s national team, it’s the quest for a home race.
Even though soccer is not very close to the national sport, the feeling of patriotism and support for the USMNT should be in full force during the June 12 kickoff against Paraguay in Inglewood, California.
Just ask legendary NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski, who may still be learning the game he never played growing up, but is part of “Team America all the way” as they prepare for the tournament.
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Rob Gronkowski attends WrestleMania 42 Night 2 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 19, 2026. (Georgiana Dallas/WWE)
“There’s no doubt about it. I’m Team USA all the way. How can you not be?” he told PK Press Club Digital in a recent interview. “I mean, I think it would be the best thing for soccer if, by some miracle, Team USA won the World Cup.”
Gronkowski understands that it is difficult for the USMNT to win its first World Cup title. But his understanding of the sport reflects that of many Americans, who love their country and want to see the Stars and Stripes race.
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Working alongside fellow NFL fan favorite, New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston, Gronkowski has been developing his football sense and preparing for the World Cup on Tubi’s “The Other Football.”
“I think it’s great for America to learn about soccer,” Gronkowski said of the show. “We have referees, we have players who come. They teach us soccer and we ask questions because America is a country that is behind in soccer. There’s no doubt about it, and it’s great for soccer that the World Cup is happening because I feel like the whole world knows soccer, knows the rules by heart and knows all the players. A good percentage of the United States is learning soccer. Soccer is expanding.
“I’m learning so much and I love it.”
The United States men’s national team poses during the 2026 World Cup roster announcement in New York on May 26, 2026. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP)
Gronkowski and his brothers were multi-sport athletes growing up, but football wasn’t part of that diet in Western New York. That’s not to say Gronkowski didn’t share immense respect for what these elite athletes do on the field and will showcase next month.
“The cardio, the shape they’re in is absolutely incredible,” he explained. “I just never played growing up. I don’t think I would last that long. I’m a short guy – 40 yards. Then I need a little break. If I had to last that long, I don’t think I would have lasted that long on a football field. I really like their athleticism. I would have liked to play a little bit because my footwork for football and basketball would have been more phenomenal and more relevant as well. They’re just athletes complete and I respect what they do I’m learning more and more about the game, and that’s the great thing about the World Cup here.
Gronkowski and Winston learn not only the rules, but also the expanded FIFA format that will debut this week. There will be 48 teams instead of the usual 32, where two teams from each group of four will advance to the round of 16, along with the top eight third-placed teams across the 12 groups.
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Gronkowski is eager to cheer on the United States, and while they are unlikely to win it all, he has a high bar for victory.
“If we get out of the tournament and get to the round of 16 and win at least one of those games and get to the round of 16, I think that’s a win,” he said. “It’s like the United States winning the World Cup. It’s not winning everything, but it shows how special it would be if we got that far.”
Christian Pulisic poses with his jersey during the United States World Cup team reveal in New York on May 26, 2026. (Adam Faim/Getty Images)
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The USMNT will face Paraguay on June 12, followed by matches against Australia on June 19 and Turkey on June 25 to complete its group stage.
And like many others who watch simply to support the country and share their patriotism, Gronkowski now knows the basics well enough to embark on a hopeful run stateside.
