President Biden Calls USMNT Ahead of 2022 World Cup Opener

Before the United States men’s national team takes to the field for the first time at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, it received a phone call from a very high-profile supporter: President Joe Biden.

“Coach put me in, I’m ready to play,” Biden said when he first got on the line with USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter in a video posted to Twitter by the team.

After the joke, Biden issued heartfelt words of advice to the players, who were huddled in a meeting room listening into the call, which took place at about 11:30 p.m. local time in Qatar.

“You guys, I know you’re the underdog. But I’ll tell you what, man, you got some of the best players in the world on your team and you’re representing this country, and I know you’re gonna play your hearts out,” Biden said. “So let’s go shock ’em all.

“Keep trusting in one another, play as hard as you can and you know, [play] for you and your families and your teammates,” Biden added. “The whole country is rooting for you.”

Though President Biden won’t be joining the USMNT on the pitch in Qatar, he will be among the millions of Americans cheering for the squad back in the States. The USMNT will open group play on Monday, taking on Gareth Bale and Wales to begin its run at the tournament. 

Kickoff for the Group B match is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET on Fox and Telemundo.