Bizarre News & Florida Man · Hank Morrison · 7 July 2026

Antonee 'Jedi' Robinson says USMNT won't take anything for granted

Antonee 'Jedi' Robinson says USMNT won't take anything for granted

Antonee Robinson told FOX Sports reporter Jenny Taft that the USMNT is not taking anything for granted as the team pushes deeper into the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil. The Fulham left-back, known as Jedi, spoke after the Americans beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 on July 1 to reach the Round of 16.

Robinson has become one of the driving forces alongside Mauricio Pochettino's U.S. squad, and his comments to Taft arrive as the team prepares for a knockout test against Belgium. For a player whose Star Wars nickname has followed him since childhood, the message is clear: momentum is not an excuse to relax.

Key Takeaways

Why Did Antonee Robinson Speak With Jenny Taft?

FOX Sports featured Robinson in a vertical interview with reporter Jenny Taft focused on the U.S. team's mentality during the World Cup. The segment highlighted Robinson's view that the squad is not taking anything for granted as the tournament moves into the knockout stage.

The conversation followed the Americans' 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1. Robinson has been one of the USMNT's most important players as the U.S. continues its home World Cup run.

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Who Is Antonee "Jedi" Robinson?

Antonee Robinson is a 28-year-old left-back born on August 8, 1997, in Milton Keynes, England. He stands 6 feet 0 inches tall and plays for Fulham in the Premier League while representing the United States.

Robinson came through Everton's academy and later played for Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic before joining Fulham. Although he was born and developed in English football, he chose the U.S. through family ties: his grandmother is originally from Jamaica but raised his father in White Plains, New York, which is where his citizenship and roots come from, as he explained in USMNT 26 Stories.

He told MARCA it feels strange when people call him Antonee and that he prefers Jedi, a nickname he picked at age five because of his love for Star Wars films. That is how he introduced himself to teachers and new friends growing up in Liverpool.

What Has Robinson Done at the 2026 World Cup So Far?

Robinson has grown into one of the USMNT's most important players under Pochettino since his 2018 debut. MARCA reported that through the tournament he ranked second among U.S. players in crosses (8), third in completed dribbles (6 of 8), and fourth in chances created (3).

Against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Robinson delivered his most dangerous attacking performance of the World Cup. He cut the ball back in the 15th minute for Folarin Balogun, whose shot went wide, and headed high from close range in the 18th minute off a Weston McKennie cross that goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj slightly touched.

Before that match, Robinson said, "We have the opportunity to do something incredibly special this summer, playing at home. We want to win the tournament."

What Comes Next for the USMNT?

The United States now turns its attention to Belgium in the Round of 16. Robinson's message to Taft about not taking anything for granted fits a team that has climbed through the bracket but still faces elite opposition.

MARCA frames Robinson as a key piece for Pochettino's squad as the Americans continue their home World Cup run. His pace, crossing, and defensive work have made the Jedi nickname feel less like a childhood joke and more like a label for one of the team's most reliable performers.

Read the FOX Sports interview at FOX Sports, and see MARCA's profile for additional context on his World Cup impact.

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