Patrick Yazbek has said Australia “relish the idea of getting one over on the Americans” after the Socceroos were drawn alongside the United States for the 2026 World Cup group stage, with the Nashville SC midfielder welcoming the challenge after his rapid rise in MLS.
Yazbek, who has been building his reputation in the United States since joining Nashville, admitted the matchup will carry extra edge given his day-to-day life in America, but insisted it is the kind of game Australia’s players look forward to.
“We relish the idea of getting one over on the Americans,” Yazbek said, speaking about the prospect of facing the USMNT on the game’s biggest stage.
The 22-year-old has taken major steps forward since moving to MLS, earning praise for his development and becoming an increasingly important figure for his club. Yazbek explained that life in the league has changed him, pointing to the different demands of the competition and the environment he is now competing in week after week.
He also made clear that a World Cup meeting with the United States would be special, not only because of the scale of the tournament but because of the personal context of playing in the country and competing against many players he sees up close around the league.
For Yazbek, the draw represents another landmark in a career that has gathered momentum quickly. With Australia preparing for a major test against the USMNT, the Nashville midfielder is embracing the opportunity and believes the Socceroos will be ready for what is sure to be a high-intensity clash.
