FIFA World Cup: Joe Biden Sends Strong Message to USMNT Ahead of 2022 Qatar Tournament
President Joe Biden phoned the USMNT and offered words of encouragement ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
The USMNT's first game at the FIFA World Cup 2022 is against Wales, and the outcome of that game might determine the team's fate. As the stakes grew higher, though, one of the world's most influential people extended his best wishes to the United States Men's National Team (USMNT).
During their phone conversation, Biden encouraged the team to do their best and offered his support in their attempt to win in Qatar. Daily Mail reported that at the start of the call, the President joked: "Coach, put me in. I'm ready to play."
Biden then told the team: "You guys, I know you're the underdog. But I 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. So lets go shock 'em all."
The President also told them to keep trusting each other and play as hard as they can, adding that their "families, your teammates and the whole country is rooting for you."
President Joe Biden gives the @USMNT a call to wish them luck before the FIFA World Cup! 🇺🇸
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 20, 2022
(via @USMNT) pic.twitter.com/XcArP1P9jo
One of the Best Moments for USMNT Before Playing at FIFA World Cup 2022
It is common for a president to call American teams. According to CBS Sports, after the 2015 U.S. women's national team won the World Cup with a victory against Japan, President Barack Obama called to offer his congratulations.
The athletes will definitely not forget that incredible moment. Athletes will surely be thrilled to hear from the nation's elected leader, who made time in his busy schedule to talk with them.
A little extra boost of confidence and energy before a game of this magnitude is a good idea. Thus, Joe Biden's gesture impacted USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter, who said, "That's a very nice message, Mr. President."
The coach noted that the whole team was there and appreciated the support, telling Biden they were ready to go. The President replied, "I wish I were there to see you... I really do. Go get 'em, guys; play your hearts out. I know you will. I know you will."
Berhalter then noted: "We got this."
USMNT Is Ready to Play at FIFA World Cup 2022
The U.S. men's national soccer team arrived at their base in Doha last week, with some players joining over the weekend after their final club matches before the break. USMNT captain Christian Pulisic played for Chelsea last Saturday when they lost to Newcastle before flying out to the tournament.
The USMNT did not make it to the World Cup in Russia in 2018, but made it to the Round of 16 in Brazil in 2014. While goalkeeper Tim Howard did a great job, Belgium beat the team and sent them home, Mirror reported.
The USMNT is in Group B and will play against Wales on Monday at 2 p.m. E.T. The FIFA World Cup 2022 will be shown in English on FOX and in Spanish on Telemundo, Yahoo reported. The USMNT finished third in CONCACAF qualifying, behind Mexico and first place Canada.
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This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Bert Hoover
WATCH: USMNT Prepares for World Cup Opener vs. Wales - From U.S. Soccer
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