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IN THIS ISSUE
🇺🇸 Introduction: The U.S. roster is here!
🫡 Career Tips: How you work matters
⚽️ Soccer Jobs: 15+ new jobs in soccer
📰 Extra Extra: Read these articles now
INTRODUCTION
Hello, Pathwayers!
It’s officially official. 🇺🇸
The U.S. Men’s National Team World Cup roster was formally unveiled Tuesday afternoon in New York (albeit after The Guardian was able to secure the entire list a few days early).
U.S. fans now know the 26 players who will don the red, white, and blue on home soil for the first World Cup in the United States since 1994.
Big questions remain about how the group will perform in Group D, but I have to admit - my excitement levels are increasing as the tournament draws closer.
One of the big drivers of my enthusiasm is the incredible doc series “U.S. Against the World” on HBO Max. Full disclosure, I know the co-directors Rand and Janina Getlin personally but I have a feeling if you watch, you’ll agree with me - it’s one of the best sports doc series of the last 10 years.
Episode 3 went up last night and it’s well worth your time.
If you’ve been watching, reply and let me know what you think.
-Kyle Sheldon, Co-Founder & CEO
⚽️ CAREER TIPS: HOW YOU WORK MATTERS AS MUCH AS THE WORK ITSELF
Most people obsess over the output.
The portfolio. The highlight reel. The résumé.
Those things matter, but here's what often gets overlooked:
How you show up can matter just as much as what you produce.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Soccer is a small industry.
People remember how you made them feel.
The person who was easy to work with, who brought energy, and who made everyone around them better… that reputation travels.
And it opens doors that a résumé alone never could.
HOW TO BE SOMEONE PEOPLE WANT TO WORK WITH
1. Leave Your Ego at the Door.
It doesn't matter if you're the CEO or the intern.
No one wants to work with the person who acts like they're too good for the small stuff.
The people who stand out early in their careers are the ones who:
Volunteer before they're asked
Do the unglamorous work without complaining
Make other people around them look good
Bring positivity to every assignment
2. Learn Everyone's Name.
This sounds simple, but it isn't always practiced.
On a production set, in a front office, or at an event, take the time to know who's in the room. Introduce yourself. Commit names to memory.
The PA. The coordinator. The person running the equipment.
Every single person adds value.
Treat them like it.
3. Bring Energy Intentionally
You set a tone whether you realize it or not.
The question is: what tone are you setting?
Show up with:
Positivity, even on long days
Enthusiasm, even for the routine stuff
Presence, even when no one's watching
That energy is contagious.
And people notice.
4. Make People Feel Included
Look for the person standing on the edge of the room.
Include them in the conversation.
Introduce yourself first.
Remove the awkward hello before it happens.
In a new job or internship, this one habit alone will set you apart.
5. Remember Why You're Here
We work in soccer, which should be fun.
When things get stressful, and they will, come back to that.
The people who sustain long careers in this industry aren't just skilled.
They genuinely love the work.
Let that show.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
Your skills will get you in the room.
How you work will determine how long you stay and how far you go.
This week, pick one or two of these and practice it intentionally.
Not because someone is watching.
Because it's who you want to be.
-Kyle Sheldon, Co-Founder & CEO
NEW SOCCER JOBS
Director of Youth - Bay FC
Director of Partnership - The Island FC
Physical Therapist - Racing Louisville FC
Coordinator, Fan Engagement - US Soccer
Head Coach, MLS Next - Pearland Soccer Club
Head Coach, Women’s Soccer - Vassar College
Vice President, Stadium Operations - Austin FC
Coordinator, Sports Turf & Grounds - KC Current
Paid Media Manager, Growth Marketing - US Soccer
Player Development Coach & Analyst - FC Cincinnati
Manager, Marketing Activation & Events - Charlotte FC
Assistant Coach, Women’s Soccer - Davis & Elkins College
Designer, Motion & Match Production - Minnesota United FC
Assistant Coach, Men’s Soccer - University of Mary Washington
Technician, Live & VOD Stream Operations - FIFA World Cup 2026
Director, Season Ticket Growth & Experience - San Jose Earthquakes
ICYMI: MUST-READ ARTICLES
📰 Extra! Extra! Here are a few quick reads to stay up to date with the latest soccer happenings...
World Cup Team Base Camps announced for all nations {via FIFA} - 39 teams will be based in the United States, 7 in Mexico and 2 in Canada.
Fox Corporation given a sweet deal by FIFA to broadcast FIFA World Cup 2026 {via The New York Times} - Time’s reporter Tariq Panja’s published a story this week that brought light how World Cup broadcast rights were secured by FOX at a steep discount. Good ol’ FIFA.
Our good friend, Tim Bezbatchenko, is returning to MLS (and NWSL) {via Columbus Crew} - Bezbatchenko has been named the President of Global Soccer for Haslam Sports Group. In is role, he will oversee the Columbus Crew, the new NWSL franchise in Columbus and global expansion for Haslam Sports Group.
US Soccer & Head Coach, Mauricio Pochettino, announced the United States Men’s National Team roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. {via US Soccer} - We’re just a short 16 days away from USA’s first match!
ALSO…
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FOLLOW ALONG
SEE YOU SOON, SOCCER FRIENDS
