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Cobi Jones knows a thing or two about representing the United States on the soccer field. In fact, there is no American soccer player who has experienced it more than the former USMNT star.
Jones, the all-time leader in appearances for the U.S. 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, and that includes playing in the 1994 World Cup, the last time the tournament was held in the United States.
Former United States player Cobi Jones reacts prior to 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 for the USMNT on Friday in Los Angeles, Jones shared the message focused on the pressure he would put on the national team ahead of the monumental event across North America.
“What I would tell them about playing for their country, I would tell them to understand that there will be pressure because it’s a home World Cup, but understand that all those people that you think that pressure is coming from, all those people are cheering you on,” Jones told Pak Gazette Digital on the blue carpet at the 2026 World Cup kickoff party at the Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles. “Everyone wants you to do good, everyone wants you to succeed. We all encourage you, we all support you in every way.”
Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States is marked 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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Reflecting on his experiences representing his country, Jones also highlighted the general sense of pride he has always felt in being one of the most important figures in the history of American men’s soccer.
“Playing for the United States, the national team and the Olympic team over the years, I have always had a sense of pride,” Jones explained. “There was always a time when people thought soccer wasn’t for Americans, so to be a part of that generation to prove them wrong and turn the tide, so to speak, and for people to accept American players and want them on their team, makes me proud.”
Former 1994 United States national team players John Harkes and Cobi Jones 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’ prediction for the USMNT in the 2026 World Cup, he would simply like to see the team win its group, which includes Australia, Turkey and Paraguay.
The USMNT will first face Paraguay at 9 pm ET on Friday.
