Rob Gronkowski sets bar for USMNT success ahead of FIFA World Cup
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It’s officially World Cup week around the world, and for the U.S. men’s national team, it’s a quest to run on home soil.
While football may not remotely resemble a national sport, the sense of patriotism and support for the USMNT is expected to be in full force at kickoff against Paraguay on June 12 in Inglewood, California.
Just ask legendary NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski, who may still be learning the game he never played growing up, but he’s “Team USA all the way” as he prepares for the tournament.
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Rob Gronkowski attends WrestleMania 42 Night 2 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Georgiana Dallas/WWE)
“There’s no doubt about it. I’m Team USA through and through. How could you not be?” he told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. “So, if somehow miraculously the USA team wins the World Cup, I think that would be the biggest thing for the sport of football.”
Gronkowski knows it’s a long shot for the USMNT to win its first World Cup title. But his understanding of the sport reflects that of many Americans who love their country and want to see the Stars and Stripes compete.
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Working with NFL fans’ favorite New York Giants’ quarterback Jameis Winston, Gronkowski improves his football intelligence and prepares for the World Cup with Tubi’s game “The Other Football”.
“I think it’s a great thing for America to learn about football,” Gronkowski said of the show. “We have referees, we have players coming in. They teach us the game of football and we ask questions because America is a country that is lagging behind in the game of football. There’s no doubt about that and having the World Cup here is great for the game of football because I think the whole world knows football, knows the rules in detail and knows all the players. A significant percentage of the United States is learning the game of football. The game of football is expanding.”
“I’m learning a lot about it and I love it.”
The U.S. Men’s National Team poses during the 2026 World Cup roster announcement on May 26, 2026 in New York. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP)
Gronkowski and his siblings were multi-sport athletes growing up, but football didn’t fit the bill in Western New York. That doesn’t mean Gronkowski doesn’t have great respect for what these elite athletes do on the field and what they’ll put on display next month.
“The cardio and the shape they’re in is absolutely incredible,” she explained. “I never played growing up. I don’t think I could last that long. I’m a short guy – 40 yards. So, I need a break. If I had to go that long, I don’t think I could last on the football field. I really like their athleticism. I wish I had played a little bit because my footwork in the game of football and basketball would be more phenomenal and more accurate. They’re just consummate athletes and I respect what they do. I’m learning more and more about the game and that’s what’s great about having the World Cup here.” this.”
Gronkowski and Winston are not only learning the rules, they’re also learning the expanded FIFA format coming out this week. There will be 48 teams instead of the usual 32, with two teams from each group of four advancing to the knockout stages, with the top eight teams from 12 groups taking third place.
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Gronkowski can’t wait to cheer on the USA, and even though winning the whole thing is a long shot, he has his sights set on victory.
“If we come out of the tournament and get to the knockout stages and win at least one of these games and get to the Round of 16, I think that’s a win,” he said. “This is like the USA winning the World Cup. Not winning the whole thing, but it shows how special it would be if we got this far.”
Christian Pulisic poses in his jersey during the announcement of the United States World Cup roster on May 26, 2026 in New York. (Man Hunger/Getty Images)
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The USMNT will face Paraguay on June 12, then complete the group stage with Australia on June 19 and Türkiye on June 25.
And like many others who tune in simply to support the country and share their patriotism, Gronkowski now knows enough of the basics to make a hopeful run in the United States.
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