Miles Robinson, a center back who has been a mainstay for FC Cincinnati in Major League Soccer, was named to the United States Men’s National Team’s 26‑man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The announcement places the Arlington‑born defender among the nation’s elite as the tournament approaches.
Robinson’s journey to the World Cup began at Arlington High School, where he excelled in both soccer and basketball, guiding the basketball team to the 2015 MIAA Division 2 North finals. His collegiate career at Syracuse University culminated in a 2016 ACC Defensive Player of the Year honor, a testament to his defensive prowess.
From College Star to Professional Champion
After being selected second overall in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft by Atlanta United FC, Robinson spent six seasons in Atlanta, contributing to a 2018 MLS Cup triumph and a 2019 US Open Cup victory. He later joined FC Cincinnati, where his performances earned him 38 caps for the senior national team and three goals, including the decisive strike against Mexico in the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup final.
A ruptured Achilles in 2022 threatened to derail his ambitions, sidelining him for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Yet the defender’s resilience shone through as he completed rehabilitation and returned to competitive play, earning a spot on the 2026 roster that many view as a reward for perseverance.
A Massachusetts Milestone
Robinson’s inclusion marks the first time a Massachusetts native has been selected for a World Cup squad since 2014, underscoring the state’s growing influence on the national stage. While the tournament’s matches are slated primarily for the West Coast, there is a realistic chance that the U.S. could host knockout‑stage games at Boston Stadium, potentially bringing Robinson’s hometown into the global spotlight.
The upcoming World Cup will test the squad’s depth and chemistry, with Robinson poised to add his defensive expertise to a roster that blends youthful talent and veteran experience. Fans across the country will watch closely as he aims to translate his club form into success on football’s grandest stage.