Soccer Star Miles Robinson Eyes First World Cup After Injury

Miles Robinson is living proof that setbacks can become powerful stepping stones to something greater.

The FC Cincinnati center-back is in the running for the US Men's National Team roster ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a tournament that will be announced May 26. For Robinson, making the team would complete a journey that began when he was seven years old, watching the World Cup and barely daring to dream he could play in one.

That dream nearly died in May 2022. Just one month before the Qatar World Cup, Robinson suffered a ruptured left Achilles during a game against the Chicago Fire. He was widely expected to make the roster under then-coach Gregg Berhalter, but the injury forced him to watch from home.

The recovery tested everything Robinson thought he knew about himself. But instead of drowning in disappointment, he chose gratitude for the friends, family and teammates who supported him through the darkest days.

"I think in those tough moments, you learn the most about yourself," Robinson told Fox News Digital. "I recognized it was me versus me."

Why This Inspires

Robinson's approach to his comeback reveals something powerful about resilience. He didn't just focus on physical recovery but grounded himself in self-belief and love, recognizing that healing required more than rehab exercises.

Now healthy and hungry, he's channeling that lesson into every game with FC Cincinnati. He knows each match is an opportunity to prove himself worthy of a World Cup spot, but he's staying present rather than getting lost in future anxiety.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who will lead his first World Cup for the US, already knows what Robinson can do. The defender was part of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup roster, showing he's back to form.

Robinson balances the pressure with simple pleasures, like grilling on his Cincinnati deck for teammates and loved ones. He even partnered with Bounty paper towels, finding joy in the everyday moments between the high-stakes matches.

"I'm just grateful to be in this situation, potentially on the roster," Robinson said. "I'm healthy, and I know this summer's going to be amazing."

Whether Robinson hears his name called on May 26 or not, his journey from injury to World Cup contender proves that believing in yourself can carry you further than you ever imagined.