Inter Miami defender DeAndre Yedlin named to U.S. World Cup roster. Here’s what he said

Inter Miami fans will have at least one hometown player to root for at the upcoming 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Right back DeAndre Yedlin was one of 26 players named to the U.S. World Cup roster in a televised ceremony in Brooklyn, New York, late Wednesday afternoon. He is the only player on the U.S. team with World Cup experience and will be thrust into a leadership role.

The 29-year-old Seattle native played three games at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, including one in the Round of 16. He was only 20 then, a newcomer to the group. The U.S. failed to qualify for the 2018 Cup. Now, he is the veteran in the locker room and a father.

“To be honest, this time it is harder to leave because of Seneca,” Yedlin said, referring to his 1-year-old daughter. “It’s pretty hard leaving her, and this is the longest I will have been away from her. But, obviously, having made a second World Cup is an incredible honor. Being a leader on this team is incredibly important.

“I’m just going to do everything I can for the team, whether it’s on the field, on the bench or in the stands. I’ve told all the guys if they have questions or need advice they can come to me.”

U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter called Yedlin “a glue guy” and has urged him to lead the young team.

“He’s a guy that has been to a World Cup before, can share his experiences, but more importantly can continue to do what he’s been doing for us,” Berhalter said. “He creates atmosphere for the team. Sometimes he’s a shoulder to cry on or talk to, other times he’s a motivator. Overall, he needs to keep doing what he’s been doing because he’s been doing a good job for us.”

U.S. midfielder Kellyn Acosta, who plays for Los Angeles FC, has known Yedlin since youth national team days and expects him to play a major role in Qatar.

“I really admire his work ethic and his locker-room presence,” Acosta said. “He leads by example. He’s so personable that he’s able to blend in different environments and bring out everyone’s full potential. That’s a testament to who he is. He’s a great player, as well.”

The defender was a stalwart for Inter Miami in 2022, featuring in all 34 regular-season matches, starting 33 of them. He finished second on the team in minutes played (2,986) and fourth on the team in assists (four), despite being a defender.

Yedlin was also named an MLS All-Star in 2022, marking the third time in his three MLS seasons that he earned the honor.

Inter Miami coach Phil Neville believes Yedlin, who has 75 appearances with the national team, will be a major asset to the young U.S. squad.

“He’s a winner. He’s one of the leaders of the group. He never stands still,” Neville said. “He’s almost the captain of the (Inter Miami) team. This World Cup will be a great experience for DeAndre. I wished him all the best, apart from against England. He’s someone I’m sure Gregg will be looking to use in the same role we do. He’s durable. He plays every single game, trains every single minute. He’s got great quality. And he’s a fantastic teammate in the locker room.”

Returning to the World Cup for the first time in eight years, the USA will kick off against Wales on Nov. 21 (2 p.m. ET; Fox, Telemundo), face one of the tournament favorites England on Nov. 25 (2 p.m. ET; Fox, Telemundo) and wrap up the group stage against Iran on Nov. 29 (2 p.m. ET; Fox, Telemundo).

“We are excited to take this group to compete in the 2022 FIFA World Cup,” Berhalter said. “Final roster decisions are always difficult, and we appreciate everyone’s contributions who helped us get to this point. We believe we have a talented group, a strong team spirit, and one that is ready to compete. We are extremely proud and honored to represent the United States and appreciate all the amazing support from our fans as we head to Qatar.”

The USMNT was by far the youngest team to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Through 14 qualifiers, the USA starters averaged 23.82 years old, almost two years younger than the next closest team, Ghana at 25.67. Together, the other 31 participating teams averaged a Starting 11 age of 27.5 through qualifying, nearly four full years older than the Americans.

The deadline for all teams to submit their final squads is Nov. 14. Inter Miami forward Leo Campana is awaiting word on whether he will make the Ecuador World Cup team, which opens the tournament against Qatar on Nov. 20.

U.S. WORLD CUP ROSTER BY POSITION (CLUB/COUNTRY; CAPS/GOALS; HOMETOWN)

GOALKEEPERS: Ethan Horvath (Luton Town/ENG; 8/0; Highlands Ranch, Colo.), Sean Johnson (New York City FC; 10/0; Lilburn, Ga.), Matt Turner (Arsenal/ENG; 20/0; Park Ridge, N.J.)

DEFENDERS: Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic/SCO; 11/0; Southend-on-Sea, England), Sergiño Dest (AC Milan/ITA; 19/2; Almere, Netherlands), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls; 29/3; Oak Hills, Calif.), Shaq Moore (Nashville SC; 15/1; Powder Springs, Ga.), Tim Ream (Fulham/ENG; 46/1; St. Louis, Mo.), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 29/2; Liverpool, England), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 3/0; Lake Grove, N.Y.), DeAndre Yedlin (Inter Miami CF; 75/0; Seattle, Wash.), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC; 33/3; Lawrenceville, Ga.)

MIDFIELDERS: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/ENG; 24/6; Medford, N.J.), Kellyn Acosta (LAFC; 53/2; Plano, Texas), Tyler Adams (Leeds United/ENG; 32/1; Wappingers Falls, N.Y.), Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo/ESP; 12/0; San Diego, Calif.), Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA; 37/9; Little Elm, Texas), Yunus Musah (Valencia/ESP; 19/0; London, England), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC; 32/0; Pico Rivera, Calif.)

FORWARDS: Jesús Ferreira (FC Dallas; 15/7; McKinney, Texas), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders; 49/11; Mercer Island, Wash.), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea/ENG; 52/21; Hershey, Pa.), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund/GER; 14/4; Bedford, N.Y.), Josh Sargent (Norwich City/ENG; 20/5; O’Fallon, Mo.), Tim Weah (Lille/FRA; 25/3; Rosedale, N.Y.), Haji Wright (Antalyaspor/TUR; 3/1; Los Angeles, Calif.)