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It’s officially World Cup week around the globe, and for the US men’s national team, it’s the quest to make it on home soil.
Although soccer is not as close to the national sport, the feeling of patriotism and support for the USMNT is expected to be in full force when kickoff comes 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 growing up 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)
“No doubt about it. I’m Team USA all the way. How can you not be?” he told Pakinomist Digital in a recent interview. “I mean, I think it will be the greatest thing for the sport of soccer if somehow a miracle Team USA wins the World Cup.”
Gronkowski understands it’s a long shot for the USMNT to capture its first World Cup title. But his understanding of the sport mirrors that of many Americans who love their country and want to see the Stars and Stripes run.
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Working with NFL fan favorite New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston in New York, Gronkowski has been building his football sense and getting ready for the World Cup on Tubi’s “The Other Football.”
“I think it’s great for America to learn football,” Gronkowski said of the show. “We’ve got referees, we’ve got players coming on the pitch. They’re teaching us how to play football and we’re asking questions because America is a country that’s lagging behind in the game of football. There’s no doubt about that, and it’s great for the game of football that the World Cup is here because I feel like the whole world knows all the rules of football inside out, and knows all the inside rules of the football player. learning about the game of football.
“I’m learning so much about it and I love it.”
The US men’s national team poses during the announcement of the 2026 World Cup 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 regimen in West New York. That’s not to say Gronkowski didn’t share enormous respect for what these elite athletes do on the field and will showcase it for the next month.
“The condition, the shape they are in is absolutely incredible,” he explained. “I just never played growing up. I don’t think I’d last that long. I’m a short spirited guy — 40 yards. So 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 played a little bit because my footwork and more for football and more would have been on the basketball game. They’re just complete athletes and I respect what they do, I learning more and more about the game and that’s what’s great about being here.
Not only are Gronkowski and Winston learning about the rules, but also the expanded FIFA format that debuts this week. There will be 48 teams instead of the usual 32, with two teams from each group of four making it to the knockout stage, as well as the best eight third-placed teams across the 12 groups.
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Gronkowski looks forward to cheering on the USA, and while it’s a longshot they win it all, he has a bar for the win.
“If we get out of the tournament and into the knockout stage and at least win one of those games and get to the Round of 16, I think that’s a win,” he said. “It’s like the USA winning the World Cup. It’s not winning it all, but it just shows how special it would be if we made it this far.”
Christian Pulisic poses with his jersey during the unveiling of the USA World Cup 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 games against Australia on June 19 and Türkiye on June 25 to complete their group play.
And like many others who watch simply to support the country and share their patriotism, Gronkowski now knows enough of the basics to be gunning for a hopeful run in the United States.
