Why Antonee Robinson Could Be the USMNT’s Unsung Hero at the 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

He might not be the flashiest name on the roster, but Antonee Robinson’s mix of presence, experience, and quality has him poised to be the key figure for the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup. 

When we talk about heroes for the United States men’s national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, offensive-minded players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, or Folarin Balogun usually come to mind. It’s not often that we pencil in a left back as a star to watch, but we might have to, because in nearly every successful World Cup run, the U.S. has relied heavily on defense and full backs who can get forward.

This especially rings true considering USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino’s shift to a 3-4-2-1 system in which full backs carry more attacking responsibility while also supporting a three-man backline. The formation has produced recent success, with key wins against Paraguay, Uruguay, Australia, and Japan to close out 2025.

But a closer look at those wins reveals a key missing figure: Antonee Robinson.

A knee injury kept “Jedi” out of action for the USMNT’s best showing under Pochettino, but he’s since made his return to the pitch, starting in nine of Fulham’s last 10 Premier League matches. If the USMNT wants any chance at making a deep run in the 2026 World Cup, Robinson, who brings much more to the table than hard-nosed defending, will need to be a crucial part of it.

A Unique Blend of Skill and Playmaking Abilities

Robinson is a modern left back whose game is built around energy, timing, and constant movement. He plays with pace and purpose, often stretching the field by pushing high up the left side and giving his team natural width.

Robinson is at his best when attacking space rather than holding possession, using quick overlaps to get behind defenses. His speed allows him to recover defensively, but his biggest impact usually comes when his team has the ball and he can turn wide areas into attacking lanes.

In terms of assists, Robinson thrives on consistency rather than flash. He regularly delivers low, driven crosses and cutbacks after reaching the byline, creating high-percentage chances for teammates rather than highlight-reel passes. Positionally, he balances risk well, choosing moments to surge forward while staying connected to his center backs when needed.

This awareness lets him support attacks without leaving his side exposed, making him a reliable presence who influences games through volume, movement, and smart positioning.

Club Path

Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images

Robinson began his career at Everton but bounced around before landing at Fulham, where he has thrived. His loan spell at Wigan Athletic helped showcase his abilities, and since 2020, Jedi has consistently been one of the best left backs in the Premier League.

In 203 appearances for Fulham, Robinson has scored three goals and provided an eye-opening 22 assists. Last season, he finished as the Premier League defender with the most assists, tallying 10. In 2023–24, he was named Fulham’s Player of the Season, marking his impressive growth over six seasons at the club.

National Team Grit

In his 50 caps for the Stars and Stripes, Robinson has been steady and reliable, contributing four goals and eight assists. Most recently, he added an assist in a 4-2 win over Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals in 2024.

In a 2023 Nations League quarterfinal tie against Trinidad and Tobago, he scored once and added an assist in the first leg of a 3-0 victory. At the 2022 World Cup, Jedi played every single minute of the United States’ four matches. Robinson also logged every minute of the team’s ill-fated 2024 Copa América tournament, further proving how vital he is to the USMNT lineup.

At the World Cup, we may all be cheering goals from Pulisic, Ricardo Pepi, and Tim Weah, but Robinson could quietly emerge as an unsung hero through his defensive work, buildup play, and relentless runs down the flank. He may very well be a defining presence in the United States’ biggest World Cup ever.