NEW YORK - You could see the look of joy and relief on his face in Manhattan. With the U.S. Men’s National Team reveal taking place for the 2026 World Cup, we all knew that stud left back Antonee Robinson was going to hear his name called.
However, there sure was plenty of doubt for the veteran playmaker not long ago, as offseason knee surgery didn’t go to plan for the 28 year old in terms of his recovery, forcing him to miss more time than he thought he would. Robinson, set to make his second World Cup appearance for the U.S., kept grinding, he kept trying to stay positive, but the worry and anxiety kept growing for him. Was he about to miss one of the biggest tournaments of his life?
USMNT names its 26-man World Cup roster: The starting goalkeeper is clear as day
Luckily, that worst-case scenario was avoided and he's now ready to make a splash with his teammates, as Paraguay and the start of the World Cup is coming on June 12. For Robinson on a personal level, this World Cup is something he's holding dear to his heart, as the adversity he faced leading up to it was not easy both physically and mentally for him.
"There were plenty of times where I didn't feel like I was seeing the light at the end of the tunnel," Robinson added. "There are other players who go through this as well. You go through so much to get your body right and even when you feel like you're doing the right things, you're not responding the way you think you should be.
"It was a difficult time and then thankfully I had a bit of a turnaround in December, which was good and then I thought to myself that at least I know I can get to a good place. I played a few too many games and started getting back into thinking my body's not feeling great, but I've come out on the other side and now that I'm finally here, I'm feeling confident I can have a great impact on this team."
Born in Liverpool, England and representing the United States...
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) May 26, 2026
Antonee Robinson is heading to the FIFA World Cup 2026! pic.twitter.com/lL4rzGEZvp
Antonee Robinson overcame loads of injury concerns to make the USMNT World Cup roster
In early December, Robinson indeed made his way back to the pitch for the first time in the 2025-26 season, with that campaign debut with Fulham surely calming plenty of nerves. That feeling of excitement didn't last long, though, as an unrelated ankle injury arrived in the winter out of nowhere.
It was yet another setback for Robinson, but luck was on his side, as he didn't miss extensive time and the standout left back was able to make a huge difference in his EPL club finishing the year in 11th place. Fulham posted 52 points this season, including a season-ending 2-0 win over Newcastle United. Following that victory, Robinson's full focus has been on getting himself ready for the World Cup, with him also knowing how fortunate he is to be able to represent his country in front of local fans.
"Being able to just get back into the camp in March with the boys after probably a year and a half off - that was pretty gutting for me," Robinson said after previously missing camps in September and November 2025. "Even just that felt like a big achievement and then to finally get through the season with Fulham and get to the World Cup and be in the squad, it's an amazing feeling. It feels like all the effort, sacrifice and pain that you go through, it makes it all worth it."
Robinson has also done his part to silence anyone worried about his knee injury lingering. He has made it more than clear that he's at 100 percent, fired up to help the USMNT go on a deep run in this tournament with things being on home soil. There are two friendlies on the way with Senegal and Germany, and Mauricio Pochettino is sure to put the finishing touches on his starting 11. Barring a shocker, though, you can go ahead and pencil in Robinson into that starting group.
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