US sports fans were urged to continue to support and play soccer by Italian legend and former Los Angeles FC defender Giorgio Chiellini, while NFL star Patrick Mahomes admitted he’s been converted.
It’s been a mixed summer of international football action with the European Championships in Germany running parallel to the Copa America being hosted in America. While the Euros and Copa America have produced some incredible moments, the US have missed out on all the fun.
Gregg Berhalter ’s team were left embarrassed and at a crossroads after the USMNT failed to qualify from their Copa America group containing Uruguay, Panama and Bolivia. Following a 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar that saw the Stars and Stripes reach the last 16, and since winning the Concacaf Nations League last year, the US were expected to make their mark in the tournament being hosted in their own backyard.
But it proved to be an utter failure as they crashed out at the group stage following defeats to Panama and Uruguay. US pain was worsened as Canada, under American manager Jesse Marsch, reached the semi-finals where they were beaten by Argentina.
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Meanwhile, in Europe, some US soccer fans would have been missing out on the entertainment of Euro 2024, especially following Spain’s semi-final victory over 2018 World Cup winners France producing two stunning goals from 16-year-old Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo saw the first finalists book their spot, where they will play either England or the Netherlands on Sunday in Berlin.
It appears that Euro 2024 has a hold on some Americans, including Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Mahomes, who admitted he’s been converted on X shortly after Olmo’s strike put Spain into the lead, he tweeted: “I know I’m late to it! But watching Euros in Europe made me a lifetime fan of the tournament!!”
Coverage of the Euros on FoxSport saw former Italy centre-back Chiellini appeal to the audience to continue to drive the sport in the States. “I’m moving back to Italy next week and I spent two years in the US which was amazing for me and for my family,” Chiellini said. “Thanks to the city and people of Los Angeles and the US in general because I really stayed very well here and it was unforgettable.
“But I want to ask you something, please continue to watch soccer every day. Please continue to play soccer. Please continue to live soccer every day. That’s much more important because we have upcoming the Club World Cup in 2025 and the World Cup in 2026. Please help us to make it better and better.”
Chiellini lifted the European Championships in 2021 after Italy beat England on penalties in the final of the Covid-hit tournament at Wembley. The defender finally got his hands on a major international trophy having finished as a runner-up in the 2012 final to Spain and picking up a bronze medal in the 2013 Confederations Cup, he was also overlooked from Italy’s 2006 World Cup winning squad. Following 19 major honors across 18 years at Juventus, the Italian left to play in the MLS for LAFC before retiring in 2023.
The USMNT must now be looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup which they host with Canada and Mexico. But it’s unknown whether Berhalter will remain in charge of the US’ campaign. America also hosts the 2025 Club World Cup in June and July with the likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich among those who qualified.
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