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Cobi Jones knows a thing or two about representing the United States on the football field. In fact, no American soccer player has experienced it more than the former USMNT star.
Jones, the all-time leader in appearances for the US men’s national team with 164 games played, represented the United States in the 1992 Summer Olympics and three World Cup tournaments.
The 55-year-old has seen it all when it comes to wearing the red, white, and blue on the field, and that includes playing in the 1994 World Cup, the last time the tournament was held in the United States.
Cobi Jones, former player of the United States reacts before the international friendly match between the United States and Germany at Soldier Field on June 06, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Omar Vega/USSF/Getty Images) (Omar Vega/USSF/Getty Images)
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Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off for the USMNT on Friday in Los Angeles, Jones shared a stress-focused message to the national team ahead of the historic event in North America.
“What I can tell them about playing for their country, I’ll say it to understand that there will be pressure because it’s a home World Cup, but understand that all those people you think the pressure is coming from, all those people are congratulating you,” Jones told Fox News Digital at The World Cup 2026 Kickoff Party Blue Carpet at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. “Everyone wants you to do well, everyone wants you to succeed. We all congratulate you, we support you in every way.”
Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States is tagged by Joshua Kimmich #6 of Germany during the international friendly match between the United States and Germany at Soldier Field on June 6, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Omar Vega/USSF/Getty Images) (Omar Vega/USSF/Getty Images)
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While reflecting on his experience representing his country, Jones also noted the sense of pride he always feels as one of the most important figures in the history of American men’s soccer.
“Playing for the US, the national team, the Olympic team over the years, I’ve always had a sense of pride,” Jones explained. “There was a time when people thought that football was not for America, so for me to be part of that generation to prove them wrong and change the situation, so to speak, and to have it where people accept American players and want American players in their team gives me that pride.”
John Harkes and Cobi Jones, former players of the 1994 United States national team, react before the international friendly match between the United States and Germany at Soldier Field on June 06, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Omar Vega/USSF/Getty Images) (Omar Vega/USSF/Getty Images)
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As for Jones’ prediction for the USMNT in the 2026 World Cup, he would like to see the team win their group, which includes Australia, Turkey and Paraguay.
The USMNT will begin taking on Paraguay at 9 pm ET on Friday.
