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It’s officially World Cup week around the world, and for the US men’s national team, it’s the quest for success at home.
While soccer is nowhere near the national sport, the feeling of patriotism and support for the USMNT is expected to be in full force come kickoff on June 12 against Paraguay in Inglewood, California.
Just ask legendary NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski, who may still be learning the game he never played as a kid, but is “Team USA 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 Pak Gazette Digital in a recent interview. “I mean, I think it will be best for the sport of soccer if by some miracle Team USA wins the World Cup.”
Gronkowski understands that it is a long shot for the USMNT to capture 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 succeed.
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Working alongside fellow NFL fan favorite New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston, Gronkowski has been developing his football acumen and preparing for the World Cup on Tubi’s “The Other Football.”
“I think it’s great for America to learn how to play football,” Gronkowski said of the program. “We have referees coming, we have players coming. They’re teaching us the game of soccer and we’re asking questions because America is a country that’s falling behind in the game of soccer. There’s no doubt about that, and it’s great for soccer that the World Cup is here because I feel like everyone knows about soccer, knows the rules inside out and knows all the players. A good percentage of the U.S. is learning about the game of soccer. The game of soccer is expanding.
“I’m learning a lot about this and I love it.”
The US 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 didn’t fit into that regime in Western New York. That doesn’t mean Gronkowski didn’t share a tremendous amount of respect for what these elite athletes do on the court and will demonstrate it over the next month.
“The cardio and the shape they are in is absolutely incredible,” he explained. “I just never played as a kid. I don’t think I would last that long. I’m a short-spirited guy: 40 yards. Then, I need a little break. If I had to go that long, I don’t think I would have lasted on a football field. I really love their athleticism. I wish I had played a little bit because my footwork for football and basketball would have been more phenomenal and more accurate too. They are complete athletes and I respect what they do. “I’m learning more and more about the game, and that’s the good thing about the game. World Cup is here.”
Gronkowski and Winston are not only learning about the rules, but also about the expanded FIFA format that will debut this week. There will be 48 teams instead of the usual 32, with two teams from each group of four reaching the knockout stages, as well as the eight best third-place teams from the 12 groups.
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Gronkowski is looking forward to cheering on America, and while it’s highly unlikely they’ll win it all, he has the bar set for victory.
“If we get out of the tournament and get to the knockout stages and at least win one of those games and get to the round of 16, I think it will be a victory,” he said. “It’s like the United States winning the World Cup. It’s not winning it all, but it shows how special it would be if we made it that far.”
Christian Pulisic poses with his jersey during the presentation of the United States World Cup squad in New York City on May 26, 2026. (Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
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The USMNT will face Paraguay on June 12, followed by matches against Australia on June 19 and Türkiye on June 25 to complete their group stage.
And like many others simply looking to support the country and share their patriotism, Gronkowski now knows enough about the basics to get excited about a hopeful career in America.
