“The World Cup will be a turning point in the US”

Roberto Giménez, once a roommate of José Callejón at SEK where José Callejón tied his tie, shared Tuesday classes with promising forwards like Soldado and Alberto Bueno under the guidance of Butragueño. He dreamed and lived for Real Madrid. Yet, football’s unpredictable nature has led Roberto Giménez (Socuéllamos, 34) to become a key figure shaping the future of soccer in the United States.

Leading Talent Identification on the West Coast

A former Madridista, Giménez has been officially appointed as the Talent Identification Manager for the West Coast, the land of stars and stripes. In this role, he’s tasked with overseeing 17 scouts spread across Hawaii, California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Nevada. “We’re responsible for a population of nearly 70 million people,” explains Giménez during his visit to AS. This massive search involves connecting with around 200 clubs nationwide to spot and nurture top American soccer talent.

Building the Future with Cutting-Edge Methods

Giménez’s successful stint with the Philadelphia Union in MLS, recognized as the premier soccer academy in the US, paved his way to the US Federation—a monumental challenge. Under the leadership of Tony Lepore, head of the scouting department, Giménez and his team implement an extensive evaluation process starting at ages 13 and 14. This rigorous selection narrows down to 60 children from across the country, forming the foundation for the U-15 team. “Our investment in identifying and tracking players is substantial. We use one of the most powerful methodologies globally,” Giménez shares. They utilize exclusive software unique to their operations, ensuring a competitive edge in talent scouting.

Expanding Horizons with International Talent

Matt Crocker, the Welsh sports director instrumental in bringing Pochettino to Team USA, is another cornerstone of the strategy. “We’re establishing a structure to attract talents playing in Europe with dual nationality. Identifying a standout kid from Bayer Leverkusen’s academy, for example, could lead to a future World Cup star. Take Joel Campbell, an explosive left-footed player who debuted with Borussia Dortmund at 17—that’s the talent we aim to harness.”

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Looking Ahead to Major Tournaments

With the Club World Cup scheduled for June 15 and the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada on the horizon, Giménez sees these events as pivotal. “While the general public might not yet feel the excitement, professionals in the country are highly anticipative,” he notes. The upcoming World Cup is expected to be a game-changer. “By 2026, the atmosphere will be entirely different. People will start recognizing our players even in everyday places like supermarkets.”

A New Era for American Soccer

There’s significant pressure for Team USA to make a lasting impact. “Expectations are high to perform well and defeat top-tier teams along the way. Achieving this would prove that we can compete with anyone and have taken that crucial step,” says Giménez. The influence of global stars like Messi is fueling a shared dream for soccer in the US, a vision that began with the 1994 World Cup and is now gaining serious momentum. “The 2026 World Cup will mark a turning point for the US. We’re striving to transform the country’s sports culture, challenging the dominance of American football and baseball. The World Cup will be our moment of truth.”

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