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Miles Robinson knows his value as a center back and is confident he can make an impact for the United States men’s national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Of course, it’s not up to Robinson to decide whether he’s worthy enough for this year’s U.S. roster.
That’s the job of USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who will coach his first World Cup for the Stars and Stripes. But he knows what Robinson brings to the table, having been part of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup squad last summer.
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Miles Robinson of the United States men’s national team poses for a portrait in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Nov. 11, 2025. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Robinson won’t know his fate until May 26, but as he focuses on the present with his club FC Cincinnati this Major League Soccer season, he’s still thinking about what it might mean to be a part of the first World Cup of his career.
“It would mean a lot. I think it’s one of those things where I imagined myself when I was seven years old, watching the World Cup or whatever. I almost dreamed I could do it, but I never really believed it. Then the next thing you know I’m actually playing for the national team and stuff like that,” he told Pak Gazette Digital, while highlighting his association with Bounty.
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“So for this to really happen, it would be a closing-circle moment where I’m going to make sure to tell other kids that I really believed in myself and I think that’s the kind of thought process that can take people so much further than they can really imagine. It’s just that deep sense of faith within yourself and grounding yourself in love. It can really go a long way.”
Self-confidence was tested for Robinson after he suffered a ruptured left Achilles tendon in May 2022, just a month before potentially participating in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He was expected to be part of former head coach Gregg Berhalter’s squad, but during a game against the Chicago Fire, he suffered the injury that forced him to retire.
These were difficult times for Robinson, as expected. But it also pushed him down a path that forced him to have physical and mental strength. He now believes that made him a better player and person than ever.
One prepared for this World Cup moment four years later.
Miles Robinson of the United States arrives to participate in a USMNT training session at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground in Marietta, Georgia, on March 25, 2026. (John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)
“I think in those difficult moments you learn more about yourself,” he explained. “I definitely learned a lot about overcoming difficulties, on and off the field. I think it was a difficult time for me, but I based it on gratitude and being very grateful for my friends and family who supported me, and my teammates who wished good things for me and my leg and things like that.
“So, I recognized that it was me against me. It’s not about anything else. I just wanted to continue to improve and get better just for myself and not for anything else or anyone else. That’s when I definitely took the next step in my career and in my development as a player and as a person.”
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Healthy and hungry, Robinson is targeting that USMNT roster, but also understands being in the present until May 26. That includes focusing on FC Cincinnati’s game against Inter Miami, the team that eliminated them from last year’s MLS Playoffs, on Wednesday night at home.
“Every game is an opportunity to show yourself, but also to improve and improve. For Miami and Cincinnati, Miami knocked us out of the playoffs last year, so we are left with that bitter taste in our mouths,” he said. “For us, it’s about focusing on how we play, how we press, and if we do that, it should be a great game. In the back of our minds, it’s the future, but we’re trying to focus on the present.”
While Robinson and the rest of the USMNT hopefuls are focused on the present with their respective clubs, they are also in suspense like the rest of the soccer fans hoping to hear their names called to represent their country in the world’s biggest tournament.
“I’m just grateful to be in this situation, potentially on the roster,” Robinson admitted. “I’m just trying to get better. I’m healthy…Overall, I’m grateful and I’m sure excited because I know this summer is going to be amazing.”
Miles Robinson of the United States looks for a pass during an international friendly soccer match against Turkey at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, Connecticut, on June 7, 2025. (John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
CLEANING WITH BOUNTY
One way Robinson can take his mind off the potential USMNT roster is by grilling in his free time on his terrace in Cincinnati. You’re passionate about making some food for your teammates, friends, and family, but the more you do it, the more likely disaster is to strike.
Robinson teamed up with Bounty, the American paper towel brand, to preach the right way to clean up messes, whether at home or before a game.
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“Probably the biggest mess I’ve ever cleaned up in my life was when I was having a barbecue on my deck recently and I spilled a drink and there were glasses and drinks everywhere,” he revealed. “Gladly, I had Bounty and one blade wiped it all out. Honestly, everything was fine.
“Sometimes I have to correct some mistakes of my teammates and Bounty connected that with this sponsorship, so I’m proud to be a part of them because they are always cleaning up messes too.”
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