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All footballers around the world dream of participating in the World Cup: it is the ultimate chance for glory for generations to come.
However, playing in a World Cup in your home country is something completely different, and the United States men’s national team will experience that in a month when they kick off the 2026 FIFA World Cup at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Tyler Adams, the captain of the USMNT, experienced his first World Cup in 2022 when he traveled to Qatar with his teammates and coaches. They enjoyed some success, but ultimately fell to the Netherlands in the round of 16.
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Tyler Adams of the United States greets supporters after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match against the Netherlands at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on December 3, 2022. (Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
It may not have been the outcome the U.S. wanted in Qatar, but now, at home, Adams knows the entire team is ready to show off in front of everyone who supports them across the country.
There is more than enough patriotic pride for this group.
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“I think when we get to a game and you see the stars and stripes and the red, white and blue, it puts you in that patriotic mood,” Adams told PK Press Club Digital in a recent interview, while also highlighting his work with Scotts ahead of the World Cup. “It’s an honor to represent the country.
“Everyone really comes together, whether they watch football or have never watched it before, there’s one thing about having an event in America. They always do it well. I can’t wait for our fans to show up.”
The United States will begin its World Cup journey in Los Angeles against Paraguay on June 12 to begin its Group D match. For some veterans like Adams, the pressure of the World Cup is something he has gotten used to by now. But as a team leader, he knows those who are green at such matches will need guidance.
American Tyler Adams moves with the ball during a match against Costa Rica at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, June 29, 2025. (John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)
“We shouldn’t go too far,” he said. “I feel like because we were a little bit young and naive before that first tournament, we were like, ‘Ah, what’s next? How can we take the next step?’ You can’t worry about it because it’s not in your control at the moment. It’s game by game, moment by moment, pass by pass, where you can make an impact. I think for us it’s about focusing on the details of each game, but taking it one game at a time. »
Of course, every player wants to soak up the moment while participating in a World Cup, whether it’s their first or last time on the field for the tournament. Adams admitted it was difficult to do because of the attention to detail and stiff competition, telling his teammates that “it’s over in the blink of an eye.”
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But there’s no doubt how special this one will be for those who represent the Stars and Stripes. They will play in Los Angeles and Seattle in their group stage matches, but they also want to qualify for the playoff stage, which will take place in other cities in the United States.
“I think it’s good because we’ve played in both of those environments before, and both of those cities have incredible fan bases, just in sports in general,” Adams said of his eagerness to see the American faithful in Los Angeles and Seattle. “So, I think the support will be there. I hope there will be a big crowd in the United States, as there should be for a home World Cup. I just can’t wait to play in front of my friends and family.”
DEVELOP THE GAME WITH SCOTTS
Speaking of growing the game, Scotts, North America’s leading lawn care brand, has partnered with Adams on its “Keep It Real” initiative, which aims to expand access to youth sports and green spaces, funding more than $432,000 while partnering with Every Kid Sports to help more than 2,000 kids in 48 states.
Tyler Adams of the United States looks on before the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between the Netherlands and the United States at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on December 3, 2022. (Maddie Meyer/FIFA/Getty Images)
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As part of this effort, Scotts and Adams, who highlight the value of natural grass in terms of safer play, helped restore natural grass fields where the next generation can develop the game. One of them was even his hometown field.
“When they came to me with this idea and initiative, it was pretty simple. I think one of the most important things I have to do as a professional athlete now is give back to my community. That being said, I’m giving back to my community with the partnership where we had a field day last summer and we’re restoring the field that I played on as a kid. It was pretty cool to come home and see that a brand that I work with supports the ideas that I have and am giving back to this community. Really, really grateful for this and the partnership. We’re starting to do some really good things.
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