USMNT

·19 June 2026

Twenty-six players have been announced as part of the U.S. Men’s National Team squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026. To help fans get to know them better, each player was asked 26 quick-fire questions revealing more about their personalities and the journeys that brought them to football’s grandest stage.

Here are 26 questions with midfielder Weston McKennie:

What was the first thing you did when you woke up this morning?

Opened my eyes and brushed my teeth.

Do you prefer an electric or manual toothbrush?

I use a manual one.

At what temperature do you set your thermostat at night?

I'd say around 18°C (64°F).

What’s the most outrageous outfit you’ve ever worn?

A cheetah-print tracksuit.

Do you still have that tracksuit?

Yes, I still have it. It’s like a golden keepsake for me.

How would you describe your fashion style in one word?

I’d say oversized. But I can mix it up — elegant, streetwear, a bit of everything.

Is oversized clothing your favourite fashion trend right now?

Oh yes, absolutely. Oversized clothes are super comfortable and give you much more freedom to move. It’s the best.

What’s the best concert you’ve attended?

Definitely a Post Malone concert.

Which Hogwarts house were you sorted into?

Gryffindor.

Who do you think is the most underrated Harry Potter character?

Neville Longbottom.

If you could swap lives with one Harry Potter character, who would it be?

Ron Weasley.

You started McKennie’s Magical Youth Mission. What inspired you to create your youth foundation?

My love for working with kids. I come from a big family — my nephew is turning 20 this year, which is wild. I just want to give back to the community and help those less fortunate. It’s not only about sports but about motivating people to do better.

Are you more of a soft smile or a smile-with-teeth person?

Smile with teeth.

What’s one memory that always makes you smile?

When I moved to Europe for the first time and then came back home for Christmas to spend it with my family.

You’ve played nearly every position on the pitch. Which one’s your favourite?

Number eight — a box-to-box midfielder.

What did you love most about living in Texas?

The barbecue.

Speaking of barbecue, what’s your favourite side dish?

Macaroni and cheese. My mom makes the best macaroni and cheese.

What’s your favourite part about living in Europe?

The culture and how easy it is to travel. You can drive two hours and experience a completely different culture.

How many languages can you speak?

Spanish, Italian, German, and English.

Can you teach us something in Italian?

Devi guardare negli occhi quando fai chen. It means, you have to look me in the eyes when you toast.

If you weren’t a professional footballer, what would you be doing?

I’d be a firefighter like my brother — or perhaps playing in the NFL.

What position would you play in American football?

Running back.

How would your best friends describe you in three words?

Funny, super, super, super duper mature, and loving and caring.

Who has been the biggest influence in your journey to becoming a professional footballer?

My mom, without question.

What advice would you give to young footballers who dream of turning professional?

My mental conditioning coach once told me, “If you have an A plan, don’t have a B plan, because then you won’t give your all to plan A.”

When this tournament ends, what do you hope people say about the way you played and carried yourself?

I hope they’ll say they’re proud — that I gave everything I had, left it all on the pitch, and made every sacrifice possible to achieve results.