Arlington native Miles Robinson selected for US Men’s National Team World Cup roster

The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) has confirmed the selection of defender Miles Robinson for the upcoming World Cup, marking the Arlington, Massachusetts native’s debut on the global stage. Robinson, 29, joins the roster after missing the 2022 tournament due to an Achilles injury, a setback his family notes he has worked diligently to overcome. His inclusion follows a recent friendly appearance against Senegal, where he started the second half and contributed to a 3-2 victory.

Robinson’s path to the national team began in Arlington, where he started playing soccer at age three. Before committing fully to football, he established himself as a standout basketball player at Arlington High School, scoring over 1,000 career points, which ranks fourth in the school’s history. He played one season of varsity soccer at the high school before joining a local club team, eventually transitioning to Syracuse University for less than two years before entering the Major League Soccer Draft.

Selected second overall by Atlanta United in 2017, Robinson won trophies with the club before moving to FC Cincinnati in 2024. He has accumulated 39 appearances and three goals for the USMNT prior to this tournament. His mother, Jane Madden, confirmed the selection via a family FaceTime call, describing the household’s excitement as Robinson announced, “Guys I made the team.”

The USMNT is scheduled to play a friendly against Germany in Chicago, Illinois, this weekend. This match serves as a final preparation before their first World Cup match of the summer against Paraguay in Los Angeles, California, on Friday, June 12. Robinson’s return to form has drawn praise from his community, with former basketball coach and current Athletic Director John Bowler noting that Robinson is the first person from Arlington to play in both the Olympics and the World Cup.

Robinson’s father, Jeff Robinson, emphasised his son’s competitive mindset, stating that Miles is focused on winning the tournament rather than merely participating. “When Miles is locked in, he is extraordinary,” Jeff Robinson said, adding that his son does not view his presence on the roster as sufficient without a drive for victory. The town of Arlington has responded with significant enthusiasm, viewing Robinson’s achievement as a milestone for local athletes.

Robinson’s journey from a high school basketball star to a professional defender has been marked by resilience. After his Achilles injury sidelined him from the 2022 World Cup, he dedicated himself to rehabilitation and performance recovery. His mother highlighted the significance of the upcoming tournament, noting that playing on home soil adds to the prestige of the moment. “This is the pinnacle,” she said, reflecting on the culmination of his efforts.

As the team prepares for the Germany friendly, the focus remains on integrating Robinson into the defensive line. His recent performance against Senegal demonstrated his ability to preserve leads and maintain defensive stability. With the World Cup approaching, Robinson’s selection represents a significant moment for both the USMNT and his hometown, which has seen him become a role model for local youth.