Tyler Adams, the former captain of the U.S. men’s national soccer team, has partnered with Scotts to champion the benefits of natural grass pitches. This initiative comes as the nation gears up for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For Adams, who played a pivotal role in leading Team USA at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the pressure associated with high-stakes tournaments has been reshaped by his role as a father.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Tyler-Adams-Says-Becoming-a-Dad-Changed-How-He-Handles-Pressure-051426-1-9745c52bc60642f19ce842599c00d239.jpg)
With two sons expected to join his family in January 2024 and October 2025, Adams has found that parenthood has shifted his focus from the relentless pressures of professional football to the simpler joys of home life. “When you come home after a challenging day, your kids don’t ask about the match,” he explained in an exclusive interview. “They just want to play or go outside. This perspective helps me manage the pressure associated with the sport.”
The 26-year-old midfielder has learned to mentally partition his life as an athlete from that of a parent and partner. By fostering this separation, he has become a more present and confident player. Instead of allowing disappointing performances to linger in his mind, Adams commits to trusting the training he has undertaken. “I’m not putting an immense amount of pressure on myself,” he stated. “I simply focus on my capabilities and get into a good rhythm on the pitch.”
Reflecting on his experience in Qatar, Adams admits he struggled to appreciate the significance of the moment while playing. “In the heat of competition, it was hard to fully acknowledge what was happening around me,” he remarked. “But adopting a more relaxed mindset has enabled me to elevate my performance levels.”
As anticipation builds for the next World Cup, Adams expresses a desire for the tournament to have a long-lasting influence on American soccer, similar to how it shaped his own journey. Growing up, he idolised the likes of Thierry Henry, often attending New York Red Bulls games with his mother when the football star visited. Adams eventually followed in Henry’s footsteps, first joining the Red Bulls and then making the transition to Europe, where he currently represents AFC Bournemouth.
The midfielder views the 2026 World Cup as a significant opportunity for soccer in the United States. “If we achieve success in the tournament, it can inspire kids across the country, encouraging them to dream off being the next soccer star,” he said. He believes that increased visibility for the sport can cultivate a new generation of players, fostering a strong football culture in the country.
In addition to his excitement about the World Cup, Adams is committed to advocating for player safety, focusing on a crucial topic in the game: the debate between artificial turf and natural grass. Having endured injuries throughout his career, he is acutely aware of the physical toll playing surfaces can take on athletes. “There’s no professional athlete who would prefer artificial surfaces,” he asserted. “Natural grass significantly benefits our bodies, joints, and recovery.”
Despite the pressures of competing on a grand stage, Adams remains optimistic about the enthusiasm and support from American fans. Reflecting on previous hosting experiences, he stated, “When events come to America, people know how to make it special. I have no doubt that this will be an incredible occasion.”
As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues, Tyler Adams stands not only as a prominent figure in American soccer but also as a passionate advocate for the positive changes the sport can bring to the country. With a personal and professional journey intertwined with the growth of soccer, he hopes to inspire future generations, ensuring that the love for the game thrives long after the tournament concludes.