The 2026 FIFA World is in full swing across North America with several exciting matches in group stage play.
One very interested observer of the action is former Kirkwood High soccer standout Eric McWoods. He was an All-American at Kirkwood after scoring a school-record 87 goals in his career, including 40 in his senior season in 2013.
After an excellent collegiate career at Xavier and Kansas City, McWoods, 30, has played professional soccer overseas for nearly a decade. He currently plays for Cliftonville in the NIFL Premiership in Northern Ireland.
The St. Louis American is delighted to have McWoods provide his expertise on the World Cup action. We start by getting his thoughts on the USA team, which is currently 2-0 and has already qualified for the knockout round beginning next week.
*On the excitement of Team USA’s tremendous 2-0 start
“I think it’s huge. Historically, a lot of countries around the world don’t look at the Americans as great soccer players. We have to earn our respect. I was talking with a couple of my teammates and coaches and we were saying the athleticism they have over most countries and intensity is helping them so much. Obviously, you’re playing in your home country and you have to protect your home country. There are a lot of tough games ahead, but we have built up some momentum. We’ve already won the group and that’s big for us. As of now, it’s about carrying that momentum into the later rounds. Based on the players, personnel and coaches, we have a good shot of making a decent run in the World Cup.”
*What is different about this current USA team that makes them special
“We have a lot of guys who are playing in top leagues in Europe like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKinnie and Tyler Adams. Those are just a few guys that are dominating at the top level. I think that is super important. You can tell that these players really want it. I think the other teams haven’t handled the athleticism and intensity that the US is bringing. That’s what we’ve seen in the first two games.
*Keys to success in the knockout round against the top teams
“You have to make the top teams uncomfortable. All of the top teams like France, Argentina and Spain don’t mess around. You have to try to find ways to slow the game down. You have to be meticulous and win your individual battles and the 50-50 balls. Those things are super important for the US. We probably don’t have the talent of say France or Argentina, but collectively we have a good team and we have a group of guys who are going to run for each other. The chemistry has just been perfect for the US team.
*The presence of so many Black players on the USA team and other top teams
“I think it has been great to see. If you look at a lot of teams out there like France and Germany, there are a lot of black players out there. Soccer in the USA can be like that, but we have to change the system because it’s pay to play. There isn’t a soccer field near Wohl’s (Center). The system has to change where we can get more black players involved because our athleticism and we we can do naturally is already there. But soccer is a game most predicated on technique. The next step is to get more kids involved at an early age, like five, six or seven years old to build a foundation.
The USA will return to action on Thursday night against Türkiye to conclude Group D action in Los Angeles. They will then begin action in the round of 32 on Wednesday, July 1 in Santa Clara.