USMNT Star Eyes Triumphant Comeback for 2026 World Cup Despite Injury Setback
An ongoing injury has limited U.S. men's national team standout left-back Antonee Robinson to only four appearances in the 2025–26 campaign, though recent progress in his rehabilitation has Robinson optimistic about being completely prepared to suit up for the Stars and Stripes at the 2026 World Cup.
Following his recognition as U.S. Soccer's 2024 Male Player of the Year, Robinson has been absent from USMNT duty throughout 2025, with his most recent national team outing occurring in November 2024.
Robinson went under the knife for knee surgery in May. While the operation was initially considered routine, the rehabilitation journey has encountered numerous complications, and the left-back has logged merely 151 minutes of action for Fulham this campaign. In October, he was compelled to pull out of USMNT camp due to persistent knee troubles.
Despite the challenging beginning to the season, there's increasing hope that Robinson might make his comeback in the near future. Per The Athletic, advancement in his rehabilitation during the recent November international window could lead to Robinson's return to action before 2025 concludes.
The unpredictability of discomfort in his surgically treated knee had Robinson questioning whether he could be match-ready for the 2026 World Cup, the report indicates. Nevertheless, the England-born American international now feels assured about achieving full fitness by the time Mauricio Pochettino reveals his upcoming USMNT squad for the March 2026 international exhibitions.
Antonee Robinson Sets Sights On 2026 World Cup Success With USMNT
Should his rehabilitation proceed as planned, Robinson could have approximately six months to regain the form that established him as one of the world's premier left-backs ahead of the World Cup. When the summer tournament begins, he has a clear picture of what he hopes to accomplish with the USMNT.
"I'd say, well obviously a great World Cup would be winning it," Robinson shared on the U.S. Soccer podcast. "Being able to set ourselves up in history. First time we win the World Cup as a men's team, being able to win it on home soil, it would be something that feels like you can't write it. Being able to add yourself in history like that, it'd be something that would be really special to me and all of us.
"It'll just be the whole team just trying to do whatever we can to make sure we win each game. I don't care if we play terrible soccer the whole time and manage to win. Whatever it takes to win each game is what we're going to need to figure out in that moment and do.
"Upsetting a few teams, putting in some good performances, lots of goals, looking together and like a really tough team to beat will be a great platform."
Despite his extended absence, should he successfully recover in time, Robinson is virtually guaranteed a spot on Pochettino's USMNT World Cup squad and would likely be a starter in the Stars and Stripes' pursuit of their first-ever World Cup championship.