“It brings a lot of happiness and pride,” | FC Cincinnati defender Miles Robinson makes World Cup debut with the United States Men’s National Team

Defender Miles Robinson made club history with the US Men’s National Team last week, becoming the first active player to both appear and start for their nation at the FIFA World Cup for FC Cincinnati.

While falling to Türkiye in the final moments of a heartbreaking 3-2 loss, Robinson and the USMNT made history by winning their group and securing their place in the Round of 32 – setting up a knockout-stage match with Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, July 1 at 8 p.m.

In that match against Türkiye, Robinson stood out on the defensive backline despite nine changes to the starting XI and a general challenge to cohesion with so many new faces in the starting lineup. The things the American defender had become known for at FCC, like his ability to make recovery runs on defense and challenge attackers with his pace, all came to the forefront in a positive way in that Thursday night match in Los Angeles. 

“It means the world. It's definitely a dream come true to be in this spot,” Robinson said of representing his nation at the FIFA World Cup ahead of the tournament in a press availability at USMNT training in Atlanta, Georgia. “It's a lot of work and preparation that has led me here, so I'm definitely grateful for every step."

“It's definitely surreal,” Robinson added. “It's a moment I've been waiting for for a long time, especially after four years ago, not being able to play, so it's definitely something I've worked hard for my whole life. I'm excited to be a part of this group and help push this group in the right direction.”

Robinson has now made 41 appearances for the US Men’s National Team since his debut in September 2019, but this one was particularly special as it comes at the end of a four-year journey. The Arlington, Massachusetts, native was considered a lock by many for the 2022 roster after helping the team qualify for the tournament in Qatar, but an ACL injury and surgery left him unavailable for the event and watching the team from home. 

Four years later, after representing the United States at every major tournament – including Gold Cups, Nations Leagues, the 2024 Paris Olympics and the Copa America – and serving as a faithful steward of the program regardless of the circumstances, Robinson finally had his chance to play at the biggest stage.

Back home in Cincinnati, his club and its supporters all cheered him on at watch parties around Cincinnati, staying up late to see their #12 make his debut in the World Cup despite a 10 p.m. local time kickoff. Those who work with him closest know how important a moment that was for him, and celebrated it with him from afar.

“Knowing Miles, and I can't speak for him, but first off, how proud he is to be a part of the national team program and represent his country. It brings a lot of happiness and pride,” FC Cincinnati Head Coach Pat Noonan said of Robinson prior to the Türkyie. “So now knowing what it felt like for him and how excited he was to be a part of the World Cup team, that was visible, and now if he has the opportunity to get World Cup minutes, doesn't matter what the circumstances are…representing the USA or any country in a World Cup, that is an important moment.”

FC Cincinnati will be hosting watch parties to follow Miles Robinson and the rest of his United States teammates all throughout the tournament at partner bars through the Cincinnati area all tournament long. With the USA set to take on Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, July 1 at 8 p.m., FCC will be hosting events at Molly Malone’s in Covington, Rhinegeist in OTR and MadTree in Oakley. For more information on those and all Summer of Soccer watch parties, click here.

Meanwhile, while the 2026 FIFA World Cup moves on, Miles Robinson’s teammates back in Cincinnati are back to training! Soon MLS action and Leagues Cup 2026 will be underway, but before then the next chance to see The Orange and Blue is nearly here. FC Cincinnati take on historic English club Burnley FC at TQL Stadium on Friday, July 10 at 7:30p.m.. For more information on that match, including tickets, click here OR call 513-977-KICK.