The USMNT winger expressed lofty aspirations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, represents a chance to compete

Weah stresses importance of winning mentalityViews home World Cup as generational opportunityYoung American squad faces experience gapAFPWHAT HAPPENED

U.S. international Tim Weah says his team's home-field advantage could propel the Americans to new heights at the 2026 World Cup. The Juventus attacker emphasized the importance of approaching the tournament with genuine championship aspirations rather than simply participating. 

“I don’t want to put pressure on the group or pressure on myself or pressure on the Federation or pressure our country as a whole,” Weah said in an interview with “But you know, why would we go to a tournament and not want to win it? Obviously, with the 2026 World Cup coming, I think it's one of the biggest moments in U.S. soccer history and football history in America.

“And, to be a part of that, hopefully, I mean it's a dream come true to be able to play on home soil in front of your family in front of your friends and inspire like a whole generation and inspire people, appreciate, and love the game that we love.”

Weah noted that this is a young USMNT squad who will play only their second World Cup together.

“Mentality is, go in there and compete to 100 [percent] of our abilities. If we can go compete with the best, make history, that's the goal," he said. "When you look at all these other teams, a lot of these other teams have older players. They've been together longer. So, now you look at a federation that, OK, we swapped out, everyone we're bringing in young guys. This is going to be our second World Cup experience in 2026, who knows what's gonna happen?"

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Weah, who has earned 44 caps for the USMNT, said that the 2026 World Cup is a chance for the USMNT to inspire the next generation of American players.

“2026 is bigger than just winning. I think if we can win, it's amazing," he said. "But, it's an opportunity to put, not only the game on the map, but our country on the map. People are just gonna love the sport even more, and people are going to play it even more. And the federation, the teams, the players, the quality of players are going to get are going to be better.

“Life doesn't stop with this generation, life doesn't stop just because something happened or a bad game, you know what I mean? I think if we limit ourselves to only 2026, then it's a weak mentality. And why not win 2026 and win the next one? And the one after that? I don't think people are really focused on the bigger picture, and I think, you know, as a nation as a team we’re definitely, we need to focus on that bigger picture.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The 25-year-old winger signed for Juventus in the summer of 2023 and has since made 78 appearances for the Old Lady, contributing to 14 goals. He has been linked with a potential move to Ligue 1 giants Marseille.

AFPWHAT’S NEXT?

Juventus and Weah are currently in the midst of their preseason and will face Reggiana next on Aug. 1, followed by Borussia Dortmund on Aug. 9.