US Soccer Criticism or Encouragement

The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts on Thursday, with 48 teams participating and representing their countries in this global event taking place in North America.

Every four years, fans come together to globally celebrate the sport of soccer (football to many) as all eyes are on the very best players competing at the highest level. This event inspires patriotism and memories from previous World Cups.

The tournament began in 1930, and only eight nations have ever taken home the trophy: Brazil, Germany, Italy, Argentina, France, Uruguay, England, and Spain.

The USA has never won, but finished third in the inaugural tournament and advanced to the quarterfinals in 2002. Other teams have reached the Round of 16 in 1994, 2010, 2014, and 2022. This year's team expects to at least make the Round of 16 again, with a chance to surprise people by going further.

As exciting as it is to get this World Cup started and watch this year's US team try to make history, an interesting subplot is the tension between the current and former US players.

We see this in sports when the older generation thinks their way and approach to the game are better, or think they have all the answers to what the current players need to do differently, which leads to criticism of the younger generation.

At the same time, the younger generation tunes out the former players because they don't want to hear their perspective or perceived negativity. They take offense to their critical remarks and their “back in my day” comments.

Part of the issue stems from the fact that former big-name players like Alexi Lalas, Landon Donovan, and Tim Howard are in the media and in a position to analyze current players. What they say carries weight and can either motivate and encourage the new group of players or be demeaning, causing players to distance themselves. 

One of the biggest sources of friction is between Eric Wynalda, a member of the 1994 team, and current player Tim Weah, who saw each other at the pre-World Cup friendly between the US and Germany this past Saturday.

As TheAthletic.com explains, "Last year, with the current players feeling like older generations have been too critical, Weah, 26, went as far as to call them 'really evil' in a documentary. He later asked if he wanted to clarify that sentiment and doubled down, saying he has no regrets. 

“Upon making eye contact this weekend, Wynalda, now a pundit, walked up to Weah. 'It's all love, buddy,' Wynalda told Weah. 'I'm not evil.'"

Another example of former players making waves came when Landon Donovan publicly criticized current star Christian Pulisic's commitment after he skipped the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

In general, former players want to see the current players play with more effort, make fewer decisions based on money, and ultimately break through and achieve more in the World Cup.

Some current players consider the criticism "old heads talking noise," while others understand the standards and expectations they are held to as they represent US Soccer.

As a fan rooting for the United States, I would like to see these relationships mended and thrive, with respect, encouragement, appreciation, and collaboration from both sides, so that US Soccer can be at its best.

It'd be great if negative criticism turned into positive mentorship, while younger players stopped disregarding what former players say and actually sought wisdom from previous generations.

I believe this same concept is important for us to embrace in our own lives, especially as followers of Jesus. It's so easy to complain about and criticize younger generations by saying, "I can't believe what kids do these days," or to tune out older generations as if they don't know what they're talking about. 

What if the older generations were willing to encourage, mentor, and cheer on the younger generations, with the desire to build up and strengthen them? What if they focused on making disciples and seeing their potential?

What if younger generations valued the wisdom and examples set by the older generations?

What if the older generations actually lived in ways that were respectful and admirable?

What if younger generations learned from their elders and actually implemented their advice and Biblical teaching?

Specifically, what if churches weren't so divided across generations, and we worshiped, learned, and followed Jesus together?

What if we humbled ourselves and looked for ways to serve and honor one another instead of criticizing and distancing ourselves?

In Titus 2:1-7 (AMP), it provides the duties of the older and younger: "But as for you, teach the things which are in agreement with sound doctrine [which produces men and women of good character whose lifestyle identifies them as true Christians]. Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in steadfastness [Christlike in character].

"Older women similarly are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor addicted to much wine, teaching what is right and good, so that they may encourage the young women to tenderly love their husbands and their children, to be sensible, pure, makers of a home [where God is honored], good-natured, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.

"In a similar way, urge the young men to be sensible and self-controlled and to behave wisely [taking life seriously]. And in all things show yourself to be an example of good works, with purity in doctrine [having the strictest regard for integrity and truth], dignified…"

Leviticus 19:32 (NLT) says, "Stand up in the presence of the elderly, and show respect for the aged. Fear your God. I am the Lord."

Today, just as US Soccer, past and present players are all members of the same team and don’t need to be at odds with each other, the same goes for us as the body of Christ.

The roles of the younger and older are important, and we must view them through a Biblical lens as we help each other become more like Christ and live faithful lives to Him.

I'm Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please forgive me for my critical thoughts about different generations. Please help me embrace learning from older people and encourage and support those who are younger. Please show me how to humble myself and show honor and respect to those in different stages than I am. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.