Arlington’s very own Miles Robinson was officially named to the U.S. Men’s National Team starting lineup this week. The announcement comes just about two weeks ahead of the start of the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament, which will feature matches in Foxborough and 15 other cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Robinson joins goalkeeper Matt Freese, forward Christian Pulisic, and midfielder Gio Reyna on coach Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.
While this makes Robinson the first active member of the Major League Soccer team Cincinnati FC to be named to an official FIFA World Cup roster, the defender is not new to this environment. In 2022, Robinson was cut from the final roster for the FIFA World Cup taking place in Qatar. This came after the athlete ruptured his Achilles tendon, which occurred a month prior to the official tournament. Despite the injury, Robinson made six appearances in the starting lineup during qualifying rounds.
“I dreamt of time like this to be in this exact position,” Robinson said. “It’s hard to put my emotions into words but it all is a testament to consistency, work ethic and faith.”
Before Tuesday, when players were officially announced to the lineup at an event in New York City, there were already some leaks to the roster. Several media outlets reported names, getting 25 out of the 26, as early as the Saturday beforehand.
Being named to the final roster for a U.S. Men’s National Team also makes Robinson the first Syracuse alum to do so. His time in college is only one of the several stepping stones the defender took to get to this moment.
Robinson returned to the Arlington Boys & Girls Club on May 17, representing himself and the Miles for Change Foundation. This non-profit organization was a key supporter in the $70,000 project of new basketball courts for children at the Club, which is situated on the banks of Spy Pond. This project investment and development also came from Hornets shooting guard Pat Connaughton and the Pat Connaughton Foundation. Robinson attended the community celebration of the new court.
“I was a part of the Arlington Youth Soccer Club,” Robinson said. “I went to Arlington High School. . . . I was a part of the Boston Bulls Academy for soccer, so, overall, this was a community that helped raise me.”
The endless support doesn’t just run throughout the community of young fans and childhood friends, but especially Robinson’s family.
“My parents, sister, and friends have been the ones who have supported me the most on this journey,” Robinson said. “Their belief in me throughout the ups and downs of my career and life have been my backbone. They have grounded me and motivated me through it all.”
The U.S. Men’s National Team is not scheduled to play any matches at Gillette, which FIFA calls “Boston,” during the 2026 World Cup. All of their group stage matches are slated for the West Coast. However, Boston will host seven tournament matches, including a Round of 32 matchup on June 29 and a quarterfinal game on July 9. The team could see action in Boston during the 2026 World Cup if they make it through their initial rounds topping the Group Stage.
This story was published on May 29, 2026.
