McKennie: 'World Cup Will Change Football in America, Pulisic Ready When it Matters'

Weston McKennie believes that hosting the 2026 World Cup will change the way football is viewed in America. According to the USMNT star, Christian Pulisic is always ready when it truly matters. In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, McKennie emphasized the importance of teamwork and unity within the team.

McKennie was part of the USMNT squad that kicked off their World Cup campaign with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay in Los Angeles. McKennie praised the performance of Folarin Balogun, who provided a brace in the match. McKennie and Pulisic were widely praised for their individual performances on the night.

"A victory like this was exactly what I was hoping for," said McKennie. "Obviously, you never know what's going to happen on the pitch because there are so many different expectations. But we know what we're capable of, and the world has taken notice."

McKennie also praised head coach Mauricio Pochettino for bringing a winning mindset to the team. According to McKennie, the USMNT's success is due to their commitment and unity. He emphasized that the team's hard work and sacrifices before each match are what make them successful.

"We want to be a team that people can identify with. We want them to see the joy with which we play, the electricity in the stadium," said McKennie.

McKennie expressed his confidence that the 2026 World Cup campaign will change the way football is viewed in the United States. He believes that hosting the World Cup will bring more passion and excitement to the sport in America.

"Christian is always ready when it truly matters. In recent months, many people have criticized him, wondering if he would be fit for the World Cup, if he would be able to make a difference," said McKennie. "But I've always said it, and I'll continue to say it: I'll support him indefinitely, as will the whole team."

He praised Balogun's performance against Paraguay, saying that he was decisive in important moments and an extremely clinical finisher. McKennie also emphasized that Balogun showed another side of himself that perhaps many hadn't noticed before.

When asked about the change of CEO at Juventus, McKennie said that he hasn't heard anything about what's happening in Turin and that he's focused on the World Cup campaign at this point.