A lingering injury has seen U.S. men’s national team star left back Antonee Robinson play just four games in 2025–26, but recent developments in his recovery have left Robinson feeling confident about being fully ready to represent the Stars and Stripes in the 2026 World Cup.
After being named U.S. Soccer’s 2024 Male Player of the Year, Robinson hasn’t featured for the USMNT in 2025, with his last appearance for the national team coming on Nov. 2024.
Robinson underwent knee surgery back in May. Initially the procedure was thought to be minor but the recovery process has been full of setbacks and the left back has played just 151 minutes for Fulham this season. Back in October, he was forced to withdraw from the USMNT camp due to his nagging knee issues.
Despite the nightmare start of the term, there’s growing optimism that Robinson could return sooner rather than later. According to , progress in his recovery during the recent November international break could result in Robinson returning to the pitch before the end of 2025.
The uncertainty surrounding the pain he felt in his surgically repaired knee made Robinson doubt he could be ready for the 2026 World Cup, according to the report. However, the England-born U.S. international is now feeling confident about being fully recovered by the time Mauricio Pochettino announces his next USMNT roster for the March 2026 international friendlies.
