United States Men’s National Team have received a timely boost ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Antonee Robinson completing a significant milestone in his recovery from a long-term knee injury. The wide defender, a key presence on the left flank for both club and country, returned to the starting lineup for Fulham and completed the full 90 minutes in a dramatic Premier League win over Burnley, marking a major step forward in his comeback.
Long road back from knee injury
Robinson’s absence has been a notable concern for the USMNT over the past year. The injury traces back to last fall, when he suffered what initially appeared to be a “dead leg” during a national team friendly. The issue proved far more serious, eventually splitting a tendon and causing persistent pain from November onward.
Despite managing to play through the latter part of the season with Fulham, the full-back was forced to undergo surgery, ruling him out of the Nations League Finals and the Gold Cup.
His rehabilitation extended well into 2025, keeping him sidelined for most of the current club campaign and limiting his availability for international duty.
Managed return under Pochettino
Robinson’s name returned to the USMNT roster ahead of the October international break, his first call-up of the year under head coach Mauricio Pochettino. However, the coaching staff exercised caution, opting not to rush him back into match action. Pochettino openly acknowledged that Robinson’s workload would be carefully monitored as he worked toward full fitness.
The Fulham defender also admitted that his recovery was still a work in progress, saying: “I'm still getting used to post-surgery. I'm doing all right. I've been in full training and been in full contention to play matches back at Fulham. I had a few spells coming on here and there and played 90 minutes in a cup game and got through it pretty well. I'm still not feeling 100 percent on it or how it felt a year ago before the injury first happened, but I'm getting there slowly.”
Fulham milestone signals USMNT boost
Saturday’s Premier League clash against Burnley represented a turning point. For the first time in the 2025–26 season, Robinson completed an entire match, coming through a high-intensity, five-goal contest without setbacks. His ability to last the distance offers encouragement not only for Fulham but also for the USMNT as preparations intensify for the World Cup on home soil.
With four international friendlies scheduled before the tournament, Robinson now has valuable opportunities to rebuild rhythm, sharpen match fitness, and stake his claim for a starting role. His return strengthens a critical wide area for the national team and adds experience at a crucial stage of the World Cup build-up.