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Cobi Jones knows a thing or two about representing the United States on the football field. In fact, no US men’s soccer player has experienced it more than the former USMNT star.
Jones, the all-time leader in appearances for the US men’s national team with 164 caps, represented the United States at the 1992 Summer Olympics and in three World Championships.
The 55-year-old has seen it all when it comes to wearing the red, white and blue on the pitch, and that includes playing in the 1994 World Cup, the last time the tournament was held in the United States.
Cobi Jones, former USA player reacts prior to the international friendly between USA 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 kicks off for the USMNT on Friday in Los Angeles, Jones shared the pressure-focused message he would deliver to the national team ahead of the monumental event in North America.
“What I would tell them about playing for their country, I would say to understand that there will be pressure because it’s a home World Cup, but understand that all the people that you think the pressure is coming from, all those people are cheering you on,” Jones told Pakinomist Digital at the World Cup 2026 Kickoff Party Blue Carpet at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. “They all want you to do well, everyone wants you to succeed. We’re all rooting for you, we’re all supporting you in every way.”
Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States is flagged by Joshua Kimmich #6 of Germany during the International Friendly 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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While reflecting on his experiences representing his country, Jones also noted the overall sense of pride he has always felt in being one of the most important figures in US men’s soccer history.
“Playing for the United States, the national team, the Olympic team over the years, I’ve always had a sense of pride,” Jones explained. “There was always a time when people thought soccer wasn’t for Americans, so for me to be a part of that generation to prove them wrong and turn the tide, so to speak, and have it where people accept American players and want American players on their teams gives me that pride.”
John Harkes and Cobi Jones, former players on the 1994 USA squad, react prior to the international friendly between the USA 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 just like to see the team win their group, which includes Australia, Turkey and Paraguay.
The USMNT will first take on Paraguay at 9pm ET on Friday.
