The U.S men’s national soccer team arrived in Georgia this week to train for the World Cup at its new 200-acre facility in Fayetteville, southwest of Atlanta.
Team USA began training at the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center on Tuesday. Players shared their excitement about having a home facility and the opportunities it provides for the next generation of athletes.
Midfielder Tyler Adams said he’s grateful to be training at the same place as the youth national teams.
“As a youth team player, if I could have ever had the opportunity to be even close to the senior team, that would have been really special because that is your dream, that is why you want to play for the national team,” Adams said. “I think that is important with how they set it up and the plans moving forward. It’s like, ‘This is what you’re working towards and this is how you can achieve it.'”
Adams said another benefit of the new training center is players won’t have to navigate sharing fields, equipment, and time in the space with other organizations.
“You know, whenever you train at an MLS facility or something like that, like it’s their facility, like you’re a guest in their facility,” he said. “So I think now being able to do and move freely however you want, not have to worry about stepping on any toes or anything like that — is really nice and to have a home.”
Credit: Amanda Andrews/GPB News
This year will be the first time the U.S. has hosted the World Cup since 1994. The 2022 tournament was held in Qatar.
Midfielder Weston McKennie said playing at home is an advantage because of the support they get from fans.
“Americans are some type of fans that show out and show up for the big things, even if they don’t love soccer,” he said. “Any big event, we know how to put on a show, and we know to show up. So I think it’s a huge advantage, and yeah, I hope we have a good turnout.”
The U.S. men’s team will play a friendly match against Senegal on Saturday before their first World Cup game in Los Angeles on June 12.
