Small Texas towns have always believed their kids can make it anywhere. This week, one of them takes the field at a home World Cup.
Weston McKennie was a military kid who settled with his family in Little Elm, joined the FC Dallas academy at 11, and bet on himself at 18 when he left for German club Schalke 04 instead of signing a hometown professional contract. The bet paid off: a move to Italian giant Juventus, 64 appearances for the United States, and now a place on coach Mauricio Pochettino's 26-player roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Americans open against Paraguay on Friday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, then face Australia and Turkiye to finish Group D play on June 19 in Seattle and June 25 back in Los Angeles. It is the first men's World Cup on American soil since 1994, and North Texas gets a major share of it: AT&T Stadium in Arlington hosts nine matches through July 14, more than any other venue, including a semifinal.
For Howe readers, the appeal is simple. McKennie's story is proof that the road from a small North Texas town can run all the way to the biggest stage in sports.
