Media and fans alike pulled up to Brooklyn to watch the reveal of the USMNT 2022 World Cup roster.
The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) hosted a roster reveal in NYC for their upcoming squad headed to Qatar for the FIFA 2022 World Cup. Take a look at some of the highlights from the special night in Brooklyn, that included players, coaches, media, fans, and much more, captured through the eyes and lens of Wavy Footy Co-Founder Gabriel and his film camera.
New Wave Event
The night took place in Brooklyn Steel, a spot traditionally known as a concert venue and a place that I’ve attended before for a show with rappers Noname, Saba, and Smino. DJ Step of the MLS’ Chicago Fire was in attendance to fit the music theme as his tunes were the soundtrack for the night and crazy crowd energy.
The coverage itself was a live stream setup from ESPN that saw host Kay Murray with former USMNT ballers Jermaine Jones and Taylor Twellman on the telecast to bring the squad on stage per position group and get the guys feelings ahead of the trip to Qatar. This only included MLS players in attendance as the Europeans are already closer to Doha, and just goes to show how many ballers are now in Europe, as a major chunk of the squad was missing. Had a front and center view of the boys soaking it all in with their names getting called.
After the players hit the stage, an emotional video came in of Berhalter announcing to the guys on FaceTime their spot in World Cup. You could see just how much it meant for certain players, especially the fringe ones, who were brought to hears when hearing Gregg tell them they’d be on the plane. Coach then answered some tough questions from the ESPN folks, that included everything from squad questions on the selection and recent form, to moral decisions on being part of this controversial World Cup that’s like we’ve never seen before. Gregg held his own, and sported some smooth Air Jordan Retro 3s to keep his vibe alive as the biggest sneakerhead coach out there.
Following the on stage setup, I was able to meet some of the waviest and best dressed players on the squad like Kellyn Acosta and DeAndre Yedlin, and even ran into the legendary Landon Donovan himself who’s provided us classic World Cup moments such as his late winner in 2010 to take the US to the knockout stages past Algeria.
The Roster is in, How We Feeling?
Players hit the press room following stage, and were available to answer more in depth questions than when on stage, and was interesting to hear this perspective on this team and moment. Including Sean Johnson talking about being an OG for this team as a 34-year old veteran, but at the same time playing in his first World Cup.
It’s clear to see we have one of our most talented squads ever (if not the most talented ever), even if there are some debatable snubs, but that is truly what always happens. Fans wouldn’t be fans if they didn’t complain a little bit. Nonetheless, despite a slow finish to play heading into the World Cup, this talented team is still fresh off a Nations league and Gold cup title, and considering the group we’re in and how those teams have been playing, the U.S. has nothing to fear.
Let the Party Begin
It was a great event that shows how far the US has come with footy, and can only imagine how crazy it’s going to be for the 2026 Reveal as the host nation, especially with so many of our most hyped players hitting their prime. But until then, best of luck to the boys in Red White Blue headed to Qatar. Let’s hope they can make some waves and who knows, even bring it home. Let’s get this party goin’.
