The US men’s national soccer team stands on the brink of making history. Just one victory away from equaling their best performance in the World Cup’s modern era, they are exhibiting more energy and skill than ever at this crucial stage. Their recent triumph over Bosnia and Herzegovina has produced a rare phenomenon: American soccer is in the national spotlight.
For long-time fans of US soccer, the choice to support this team during this pivotal moment is almost instinctual. It’s a question that barely needs to be considered—akin to asking, “greatest country in the world”
However, many new fans are now engaged, and for some, this may be their only opportunity to watch the team compete in a World Cup. Among this group, it’s understandable that many might feel uneasy about rallying behind a US national sports team. Recent events have shown a troubling trend; just last year, the US baseball team embraced military propaganda, striving to be seen as an unlikable bully. Not long before that, the US men’s hockey team welcomed political power into their locker room during the Olympics while various crises unfolded back home. They partied with figures who have been critical of the US women’s team, who also achieved gold medal success.
This discomfort is compounded by significant non-sporting issues that may lead many Americans, or future Americans, to struggle with supporting their national team. They can reflect on the US government’s actions over the past several years, decades, or even since the nation’s inception. Despite the fervent claims that the US is the “greatest country in the world,” how many lives have been devastated or lost due to governmental decisions? While I can’t dismiss your valid concerns, I urge you to consider them alongside other truths.
Understanding Global Perspectives
First, it’s important to recognize that the US is not alone in grappling with such dilemmas. Many Germans felt unable to celebrate their team’s successes for decades after World War II. A more contemporary example is Iran, where the fanbase remains deeply divided over Team Melli’s association with a repressive regime that has forced many to flee. Does the Iranian national team represent that government, or do they play for the people of Iran—who are known for their kindness, generosity, and passion for football? Among the fans in the stadium during Iran’s summer matches, it was evident they were supporting their people. Spectators booed the national anthem and wore protest shirts, yet when Iran scored, the crowds in Los Angeles and Seattle erupted in celebration.
So, in the US, why should we cheer for our team when we are governed by a regime that is often viewed with disdain both domestically and internationally? How can we set aside our critiques of ICE raids, military actions abroad, and the mistreatment of fellow citizens to feel a sense of patriotism for 90 minutes, plus any extra time or penalties?
Reasons to Rally Behind the Team
I could provide numerous reasons to support this particular team. They embody a diversity that reflects the nation, and their approach to the game has been refined under a coach who proudly claims to be “200% Argentinian.” It’s essential to remember that, much like in the Olympics, these athletes have honed their skills through years of dedication and sacrifice to reach the pinnacle of their sport. They either reside in your country, have grown up here, or have chosen to represent it over other options. Some may even play locally and share common interests with you (just wait until you hear about Weston McKennie’s fondness for ranch dressing). Unlike much of the soccer world, aspects of their lives can be understood by Americans, and this connection is independent of any governmental actions.
However, the most compelling argument for supporting this team is that you are not merely backing the players. The athletes, coaches, and staff come with a variety of political beliefs, and their time on the team is finite. Some will perform admirably, while others may struggle; some will resonate with you, while others may not. Their differing political views may influence your feelings toward them, yet eventually, they will make way for a new generation. It’s ironic that fans and journalists focus so intently on these individuals when the true allure lies in something much larger.
The Power of Shared Experience
In international soccer, the real excitement is found in the people around you—those whose names you might recognize and whose happiness you genuinely care about. The thrill comes from being part of a collective, each person riding the emotional waves, awaiting the moment to erupt in joy, as witnessed in Washington DC—a moment of patriotism set against a backdrop of a somber monument.
The US men’s soccer team had its first viral moment 16 years ago when Landon Donovan scored in the dying seconds against Algeria during the 2010 World Cup. Many recall Donovan’s name due to that goal, and some might remember that Tim Howard passed him the ball. Yet, for countless witnesses, the most vivid recollections are not the intricate details of the match, but rather where they were, who they were with, and how they celebrated that extraordinary, euphoric moment.
So, if you’re searching for a reason to support the US men’s national team, I implore you this Fourth of July, to look outside. If the team finds success against Belgium on Monday, thousands of people around you will experience a joy that only sports can consistently deliver. These are your neighbors, friends, co-workers, and even the grocery store clerk or kitchen staff at your favorite restaurant. They have been part of your life long before this World Cup run, and they will continue to be so afterward. You may not have much in common with many of them, but these moments are significant because they foster connections. They create a sense of unity amidst diversity.
Throughout this World Cup, the US men’s team has illustrated their interpretation of such ideals. This is a free country, and you are free to reject those ideals.
But when joy is at stake, how could you?
