Heartbeat. Spark plug. Glue guy. Jokester. Entertainer. Swiss Army Knife... All of these things have been used to describe USA midfielder Weston McKennie. At 27, he boasts the same personality as in November 2017 when he rapped an entire Lil’ Wayne song at his first US national team dinner and then scored on his debut.
In that same span, the versatile Juventus man has also become one of the most important players for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ co-hosts. There is no better American player who can soak up the spotlight and still perform at a high level, which promises to endear him to fans finding the game for the first time.
McKennie recently sat down with FIFA to talk about the expectations and excitement of USA at a home global finals, the impact of coach Mauricio Pochettino and what he trusts most in the biggest of moments.
FIFA: When you think of this World Cup, what comes to mind first?
Weston McKennie: When I think about this World Cup, I would say what comes to mind is home. Playing on home soil, family, friends, everyone that normally doesn't get to see you play live has an opportunity to do so.
How do you see your role in this group?
First of all, it is to do what I do best, which is just provide energy, provide some laughs and whatnot to the team, but also to make sure that we understand that we have a job to do and that's to go out there, win games and try, be an enforcer on the field, and just add that little spark of energy.
How do you think this World Cup will compare with the last one you played?
The first one in Qatar was a dream come true because you grew up wanting to play in a World Cup and you grew up wanting to represent your national team and you never really think, as a kid, that you're going to be on that stage. And then, to be able to do it on home soil will be a pretty cool experience, for sure.
Is this the moment when soccer can move to the forefront in US sport?
I think what we can do, with the World Cup being at home, is just make a difference. For us as players growing up, the guys that came before us did their part, and we kind of picked up where they left off in trying to grow the game in America. In comparison to American football, baseball and basketball, soccer is kind of the toward the back, but I feel like, now, with everything changing, soccer is growing a lot more, and I believe we're going have a big influence and big opportunity to change that narrative in America when it comes to soccer.
What is the status of the programme, right now?
The team feels like we still have something to prove. I think everyone was probably happy with the performances and the effort we gave in Qatar, but I think us as a team, we know that we could have accomplished more. I think we're always our biggest critics. We hold ourselves responsible for many things that happen, and then in these past four years, we've had some upsets, but we've also had some successes as well, when it comes to (Concacaf) Nations League. Copa America [2024] maybe wasn't our best also, and I think we're pumped, we're ready, and we want to prove ourselves right rather than prove people wrong.
What has Mauricio Pochettino brought to this team?
I think the coach has come in with energy. I feel like there are lot more opportunities for a lot of players, and I think nobody can feel like they're 100 per cent secure in their position. I think that's something he brought in, a very competitive group of players, that if you want to play, you have to show why. And it's not like, oh, just because you're playing at this big club that your spot is secure.
What kind of pressure does hosting the World Cup bring?
I don't really feel like it's pressure. I think it's something we're excited about more than pressure, and for me, I feel like my whole life has been a lot of pressure situations and pressure moments, and back-against-the-wall moments or underdog moments. I feel like people have these expectations for us and have these wants and desires for us to exceed, but we want it just as bad or even more for ourselves. Pressure situations just come with the territory.
How powerful can the energy of the fans be for the team?
I think the energy of the fans can be a big part of helping us create an atmosphere that is difficult for the opposing team. The fans have a lot more to do with the influence of the game than they probably think. Having them behind us, supporting us, even in difficult moments, or when the game's not going our way, is very important.
How do you feel before a big game?
I get butterflies before a game. Getting those kinds of nervous butterflies lets you know that you're doing something that matters, you're doing something that you're passionate about, that you care about, and that you want to give your best for. I don't feel fear; I feel ready, prepared.
When you are in the tunnel and about to walk out for a World Cup match, what's going through your head?
Walking out in a tunnel before a game in the World Cup, I think you feel a sense of pride, sense of excitement. You honestly just kind of get a little flashback of your whole journey, and you just say, ‘I've done everything in my life to get me here. My family has done everything, the people that have helped me along the way, so let's get it.’
Do you enjoy being in that kind of situation?
I do enjoy being in that situation, I don't really feel a lot of pressure. I think people may think I feel pressure, but it's like you train your whole life to do something. Of course, you feel nervous because you want to play the best you can, but that's why soccer is such a beautiful sport. There's the good, the bad, the ugly, the great. There's everything. It's just how you respond to it.
In the biggest moments, what do you trust most in yourself?
In the biggest moments, I trust my desire, hunger, and ability to work. I'm a workhorse, so, that's what's gotten me through a lot of my career, putting my head down and working.