Former Syracuse University men’s soccer standout Miles Robinson was on his way home from a recent training session when he received the message that would change his life.

As his phone dinged, Robinson saw a WhatsApp message from Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT), containing a video message announcing that Robinson had earned a spot on the 26-man World Cup roster.

“I was so excited. I rushed home and called my family. It was a special moment for sure!” Robinson says in an exclusive interview coordinated by the USMNT.

Robinson, a defender for the Orange during the 2015 and 2016 seasons, will become the first Orange alumnus to play for the USMNT at the World Cup, which kicks off Thursday. The U.S. will play Paraguay at 9 p.m. Friday in the team’s opening match in Inglewood, California.

“[This] feels great. Obviously, it’s been an honor to be here in this group, but it’s just a dream come true,” says Robinson, a native of Arlington, Massachusetts, who plays for FC Cincinnati in Major League Soccer (MLS). “It’s a surreal moment to be here to represent the country, represent the nation in the world’s biggest tournament. I’m definitely honored.”

Sweet Redemption Following Devastating Injury

The satisfaction of making the U.S. roster is even sweeter when Robinson thinks back to where he was four years ago, watching the 2022 World Cup as a fan instead of suiting up for the U.S. Robinson, who was widely considered to be one of the team’s top prospects heading into the Qatar World Cup, was sidelined with a ruptured Achilles tendon in his left leg.

The hard work and long days rehabbing from the leg injury were all worth it when Robinson found out he made the national team roster.

“I’m so thankful for my support group, my friends, my family and my loved ones that motivated me and got me in this position,” Robinson says. “Thankfully, I got back from that injury and was able to continue to compete with the national team and here I am.”

Lifelong Lessons Learned at Syracuse

Robinson started all 42 games during his Orange career as a key contributor on head coach Ian McIntyre‘s squad that won the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championship and made its first College Cup appearance during the 2015 season. Robinson scored eight goals and added one assist during his two seasons and was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2016.

“To represent Syracuse means a lot because I have so much love for the University,” Robinson says. “I love being a part of Orange Nation and everything Syracuse [represents]. I was there for three great semesters and have so many memories, so many people that I met that are now lifelong friends.”

One of the people who made the biggest impression on Robinson during his time on campus was McIntyre, who like Robinson was a center back during his playing days. Robinson credits McIntyre with teaching lessons that extended well beyond soccer.

“Mac taught me a lot about what it means to work hard, to compete and to stay focused. To be vocal and be comfortable with being uncomfortable as a center back trying to push forward and lead a group of guys,” Robinson says. “He challenged me, but that challenge helped me be ready for the MLS once I was drafted. He taught me a lot on and off the field, so I’m forever grateful.”

After leaving Syracuse to pursue his professional soccer dreams, Robinson was selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 MLS Super Draft by Atlanta United. Robinson signed a contract with FC Cincinnati in 2024 and has been a regular presence for the USMNT, representing the U.S. at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris and appearing in 40 matches since his national debut in 2019.

Among his international competition highlights was scoring the game-winning goal in extra time to lift the U.S. past Mexico in the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup final.

At the World Cup, Robinson will be joined by Tajon Buchanan, who is representing Team Canada. Buchanan played for the Orange in 2017 and 2018, scoring 12 goals with six assists during his two seasons.