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Miles Robinson knows his worth as a defender, and is confident he can make an impact on the US men's national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Of course, it's not up to Robinson to decide if he's worthy of this year's US program.
That is the task of USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who will lead the Stars and Stripes in his first World Cup. But you know what Robinson brings to the table, as he was part of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup squad last summer.
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Miles Robinson of the United States Men's National Team poses for a photo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Nov. 11, 2025. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Robinson won't know his fate until May 26, but while he's focused on the present with his FC Cincinnati team this Major League Soccer season, he's still thinking about what it would mean to be a part of the first World Cup of his career.
“It would mean a lot. I think it's one of those things where I've seen it since I was seven years old, watching the World Cup or whatever. I probably like to dream what I can do, but I didn't really believe it. Then, the next thing you know, I'm actually playing for the national team and stuff like that,” he told Fox News Digital, while highlighting his collaboration with Bounty.
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“So, for it to really happen it's going to be this full-circle moment that I'm going to make sure to tell other kids that I've always believed in myself and I think that's the kind of thought process that can take people a lot further than they can really imagine. It's just that deep sense of believing in yourself and putting yourself in love. It can go a really long way.”
Robinson's personal belief was tested after he ruptured his left Achilles in May 2022 – one month before he could participate in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He was widely expected to be part of former head coach Gregg Berhalter's roster, but during a game against the Chicago Fire, he suffered an injury that forced him out.
It was a difficult time for Robinson, as one would expect. But it also pushed him on a path that forced mental and physical strength. Now, he believes that has made him a better player, and person, than ever.
One is preparing for this World Cup four years later.
Miles Robinson of the United States arrives to participate in a USMNT training session at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground in Marietta, Ga., on March 25, 2026. (Photos by John Dorton/ISI/USSF/Getty Images)
“I think in those tough times, you learn a lot about yourself,” he explained. “I definitely learned a lot about just kind of overcoming struggles, on and off the field. I think it was a tough time for me, but I set myself up to be thankful and I'm very thankful to my friends and family who supported me, and my teammates who wished me well and my leg and things like that.
“Then, I realized that it was me against myself. It's not about anything else. I wanted to keep getting better and improve myself more than anything else or anyone else. That's when I took that next step in my career and in my development as a player and as a person.”
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Healthy and hungry, Robinson is gunning for that USMNT lineup, but he also understands being there until May 26. That includes focusing on FC Cincinnati's game against Inter Miami, a team that has tormented them since last year's MLS Playoffs, on Wednesday night at home.
“Every game is an opportunity to prove yourself, but also to get better and improve. In Miami and Cincinnati, Miami knocked us out of the playoffs last year, so we got that bitter taste in our mouth,” he said. “For us, it's about how we play, how we press and if we do that, it should be a great game. In our mind, it's the future, but we're trying to focus on this now.”
While Robinson, along with other USMNT hopefuls, are focused on what's at stake with their clubs, they're just as excited as any soccer fan at the prospect of hearing their name called to represent their country in the world's biggest tournament.
“I'm very grateful to be in this position, where I might be on the list,” Robinson admitted. “I'm just trying to bounce back. I'm healthy. …In general, I'm thankful and I'm very happy because I know this summer is going to be amazing.”
Miles Robinson of the United States looks for a pass during the international friendly soccer match against Turkey at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, Conn., on June 7, 2025. (Photos by John Dorton/ISI/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
CLEANSING WITH THE CHURCH
Another way Robinson can take his mind off a possible USMNT roster is to eat in his free time on his Cincinnati deck. It's his passion to chase down teammates, friends and family, but the more it comes, the more likely it is that chaos will ensue.
Robinson has partnered with Bounty, an American paper towel brand, to preach the proper way to clean up messes, either at home, or to unwind before the game.
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“Probably the biggest mess I've ever cleaned, I was barbecuing on my deck recently and I had a drink spilled and there was glass and drink all over the place,” he said. “I'm glad I had the Bounty and one sheet swiped the whole thing. It was all good, honestly.
Sometimes I have to clean up other mistakes from my colleagues and Bounty has linked it to this funding, so I am proud to be a part of them because they always clean up the mess.
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