Rob Gronkowski has never played soccer. He did not grow up with it. He admits the United States is behind the rest of the world when it comes to knowing the game. None of that has stopped him from becoming one of the sport's loudest American supporters ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The tournament officially begins June 12, when the U.S. men's national team opens against Paraguay in Inglewood, California. For Gronkowski, that day cannot come soon enough.
"No doubt about it. I'm Team USA all the way. How can you not be?" he told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. "I mean, I think it'll be the greatest thing for the sport of soccer if somehow a miracle Team USA wins the World Cup."
Gronkowski knows a USMNT title would be a long shot. But he has been putting in the work to understand the game better before the tournament starts. He and New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston are co-hosting a show on Tubi called "The Other Football," which brings in referees and players to explain the rules and culture of soccer to American audiences.
Gronkowski described the show as part education, part genuine discovery for him personally.
"I think it's great for America to learn the game of soccer," he said. "We got referees come on, we have players that come on. They're teaching us the game of football and we're asking questions because America's a country that's slacking behind in the game of soccer. There's no doubt about that, and it's great for the game of soccer that the World Cup is here because I feel like the whole entire world knows about soccer, knows the rules inside out and knows all the players. A good percentage of the USA is learning about the game of soccer. The game of soccer is expanding."
He added: "I'm learning so much about it and I'm loving it."
Gronkowski grew up in West New York playing multiple sports with his brothers, but soccer was not part of that mix. He said he has developed a deep respect for what professional soccer players do on the field, even if he doubts he could have lasted through a full match himself.
"The cardio, the shape they're in is absolutely incredible," he said. "I just never played growing up. I don't think I would last that long. I'm a short sprit guy — 40 yards. Then, I need a little break. If I had to go that long, I don't think I would've lasted on a soccer field. I truly love their athleticism. I wish I played a little bit because my footwork for the game of football and basketball would've been more phenomenal and more on point as well. They're just complete athletes and I respect what they do. I'm learning more and more about the game, and that's what's great about the World Cup being here."
This year's tournament will also look different from any previous edition. FIFA expanded the field from 32 teams to 48 for the 2026 event, with two teams from each group of four advancing. That format change is one of the many new details Gronkowski and Winston have been covering on their show as they build toward opening week.
The USMNT opens group play against Paraguay on June 12 in Inglewood.
