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The United States have been waiting for men’s football to leave; It’s been close, but next summer could be the big climb.
Next year, of course, first marks the first time since 1994 that the United States will host the World Cup (along with Canada and Mexico).
The American men’s national team (USMNT) has not yet crossed the hump, but they have reached the knockout phase in each of their last two world championships. With a good view, former USMNT star Clint Dempsey thinks the sport could be the next big thing in America.
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American men’s national team star Clint Dempsey, #8, dribbles Upfield against Jamaica during the first half of their Concacaf World Cup qualification game at Crew Stadium on September 11, 2012. (Kyle Robertson / USA Today Network)
“When I think back on the 1994 World Cup and go to my first game in Dallas, because of how well the American team did it and how much the game grew because of having the World Cup here, I’m curious to see what will happen from a good view next year if the US can work well, what could come from it,” Dempsey told Pakinomist Digital in a recent conversation. “It’s too many times, it looks like every four years, all who are mainstream American who notice instead of the mainstream American taking notice every year.
“You have [Lionel] Messi moves the needle in terms of creating an influence in mainstream media, but if the US has a fantastic view of the World Cup, the sky is the limit of what can be achieved. However, I’m a little nervous right now, but I look forward to a strong view on the Gold Cup to get a dance to the big dance in 2026. “
Why is Dempsey nervous? Well, not to go out of the group play in Copa América last year, a tournament that only includes countries in North and South America will do so on their own home ground.
“It was a failure. You are the only host country that did not come out of the group play in Copa America,” said Dempsey mute.
“But they can get back on track. I think [head coach Mauricio Pochettino] Need a little more time with them. Hopefully Gold Cup, strong viewing, get back on track and try to do something special. “
American head coach Mauricio Pochettino gives a press conference ahead of an international friendly football match against Mexico at Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, on October 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo, File)
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The World Cup, of course, gets viewers and grows the game on its own. However, Dogpsey has always felt a “responsibility” to do it yourself. So that is why he has collaborated with Abbott, the official health and nutrition science partner in the Real Madrid Football Club, to make the Abbott Dream Team.
Abbott and Real Madrid host a football attempt for 18- and 19-year-olds in Chicago, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Dallas this summer as the 11 top players travel abroad on an all-anxpenses-paid trip to Ciudad Real Madrid in Valdebas, Madrid this fall.
“I’m glad to give the kids a platform to chase their dreams. One of these cities to try is happening to dallas, where I kind of started it all. It comes full circle for me when that’s where I played my club ball that grew up in the classic league. So looking forward to being part of it,” Dempsey said. “These young players have an opportunity to chase their dreams and also learn about nutrition to extend their careers if they are lucky enough to do this as a profession. I’m glad to make people be part of something that allows people to chase their dreams, because at the end of the day that’s what it’s all about. I was lucky enough to do it to my dream and do it to live.”
“I just always felt like I’ve been trying to grow the game in terms of trailblazing, but at the same time, if you have opportunities like this to give back and give people the platform to have these experiences, it’s special because that’s what life is all about,” he added. “I have six kids and it’s pretty busy chasing them around, and sometimes it feels like you’re an Uber driver, but it’s me who sees them trying to chase their dreams. That’s what this life is about. You want to give people the opportunity to do something special in their lives so you can be alone and look back be happy with everything.
The tip of the United States Clint Dempsey, #8, against Belgium during sixteen matches in the 2014 World Cup at Arena Fonte Nova. (Mark J. Revilas-usa Today Sports)
Dempsey, like all of us, hopes that the word “failure” will not be brought up next summer during the World Cup. Usmnt can avoid it, Dempsey said as long as they can continue what they have done in recent cups.
“At the mere minimum, I think you have to get out of the group. If you don’t do the group, it’s a failure,” said Dempsey. “There will be a lot of pressure on this team to be one of the host countries, and not getting out of the group will be a failure. It starts with getting out of the group, getting people to believe, and everything can happen when you get into the knockout rounds.”
