Cristian Roldan, a midfielder for the United States Men’s National Soccer Team (USMNT), has expressed his excitement about the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Reflecting on his childhood experiences, Roldan believes that competing on home soil is a dream come true not only for him but for his entire family.
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Growing up in Pico Rivera, California, Roldan fondly recalls the fierce pickup games he played with his brothers, Cesar Jr. and Alex. “Those matches were always filled with arguments, fouls, and plenty of yelling,” he shared in a recent interview with PEOPLE. However, these spirited contests forged a sense of competitiveness that fueled his passion for the sport. He credits these childhood experiences as foundational to his love of soccer and the professional careers that his brothers and he pursued in Major League Soccer (MLS).
At 30 years old, Roldan has been deeply ingrained in soccer culture since he was a child, with his family’s roots in the sport tracing back to his parents, César and Ana, who each enjoyed the game in their home countries of Guatemala and El Salvador. Roldan expressed pride in his heritage, noting, “Soccer’s in their blood.” Watching his older brother, Cesar Jr., blaze a trail in soccer motivated Roldan significantly: “I wanted to be just like him.”
As the clock ticks down to the commencement of the World Cup on June 11, Roldan is grappling with a mix of nerves and excitement. The tournament will feature 48 teams and will see 104 matches played before culminating in a final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. This event marks the first time that the World Cup will be hosted in the U.S. since 1994, when the USMNT reached the knockout stages.
The upcoming tournament brings a layer of pressure to the USMNT, particularly following their recent Round of 16 exit in 2022. Roldan is hopeful that his team’s performance in the tournament can elevate the profile of the sport in America. The squad is focused on making a lasting impression, beginning their journey with a convincing 4-1 victory against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, located just a short distance from Roldan’s childhood home.
“I feel nervous, excited, and anxious,” Roldan admitted. “These feelings only enhance the anticipation of representing our country on such a grand stage. Dreaming as a kid of playing in the World Cup, and now having the opportunity to do it in the U.S., is incredible.”
The importance of this tournament extends beyond personal achievements for Roldan. He and his teammates are acutely aware of their role in fostering the growth of soccer in America. “We’re not just competing for ourselves, but also to inspire a new generation,” he said. Roldan aspires to create unforgettable moments that will motivate younger fans to pursue their dreams in soccer, much like iconic players such as Christian Pulisic or Weston McKennie.
Recent statistics from sports agency For Soccer reveal a resurgence in youth participation in soccer in the U.S. since 2018. Roldan believes that showcasing the sport’s potential during the World Cup could further encourage children to engage with soccer. “We want to improve the game for future generations,” he commented. “The World Cup being hosted here is a critical opportunity for us to elevate soccer in this country.”
Roldan’s reminiscing over his youthful matches with his siblings serves as a reminder of the purity and joy that initially drew him to the sport. As he prepares to take the pitch at the World Cup, he reflects on how far he has come: “To share this moment with my family is truly special. It’s the culmination of countless memories we’ve created together, and seeing it all come together is simply unbelievable.”
As anticipation builds for the World Cup, Roldan remains focused on the task ahead while cherishing the roots of his passion for soccer. The expectations are high for both him and the USMNT, but the possibility of capturing the hearts of a nation and inspiring the next generation propels him forward. The realisation of a childhood dream is now within reach, and Roldan is determined to seize the moment.