Why Antonee Robinson's Return in 2025 is ‘Going to be Great’ for USMNT
The USMNT will face Ecuador and Australia in the October FIFA international window
The Jedi returns.
Antonee Robinson, nicknamed “Jedi,” joins the U.S. Men’s National Team for the first time in 2025 after injury kept him away from international duty. He was one of 26 players head coach Mauricio Pochettino named to the October roster as the USMNT is set to face Ecuador (Oct. 10 in Austin, Texas) and Australia (Oct. 14 in Commerce City, Colo.) in the next FIFA window.
Robinson dealt with a lingering knee injury and underwent surgery in May. He last suited up for the USMNT in November 2024 in the 4-2 victory against Jamaica in the 2024-25 Concacaf Nations League, where he played 90 minutes. This will be Robinson’s third camp with Pochettino, as the defender appeared in the first matches when the Argentine took over head coaching duties last fall.
“He is an important player for us, it’s a moment to bring him in,” Pochettino said after the October roster announcement. “Of course, we were talking with his club, and we are going to try to manage him in the best way, but it’s important that he can be with us, with the group, with [his] teammates.”
Robinson was named the 2024 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year after he started every one of his 11 appearances, helping the USA earn four clean sheets and recording a goal in the 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League in the 2024 calendar year. In total, he’s appeared in a U.S. shirt 50 times, recording four goals and eight assists since his first cap in 2018.
The left back has played four matches and started one for Fulham, his English Premier League club, since the 2025-26 season began in August.
Robinson joins seven other defenders in the October camp. Max Arfsten has seen significant minutes, starting 12 of 14 matches in 2025 — almost all at left back. Robinson will compete alongside the Columbus Crew fullback in this upcoming camp in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Pochettino has reiterated that every player called into camp has a chance to compete for a coveted roster spot.
That opportunity is especially important for Robinson as he looks to re-establish himself in international soccer. Robinson started every match in the last edition in 2022. Now, he gets an opportunity to impress Pochettino ahead of the sport’s biggest tournament.
“I think the challenge is to help him evolve, and to start to feel confidence again,” Pochettino said. “... That is going to be great for us.”
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