Cristian Roldan’s path to soccer greatness will come full circle Friday when the United States opens the 2026 World Cup about 15 miles from where he grew up in the eastern Los Angeles County community of Pico Rivera.
As they have throughout the journey, his family will be there to support the 30-year-old midfielder in his second appearance on global soccer’s biggest stage. This time, the location of the stage at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, adds to the joy and depth of the experience for Roldan.
Seattle Sounders midfielder Cristian Roldan reflects on his parents’ sacrifices fleeing Central America, coming of age between three cultures and two languages in Pico Rivera, and why representing the U.S. at the 2026 World Cup is his way of giving back.
“It is a special feeling for me, for my family, for my friends to be able to root for the U.S., but also root for me in particular,” Roldan said. “I’m able to really enjoy this experience, I think, more than anybody else because of how I grew up and where I grew up.”
Roldan’s parents, Ana and Cesar, were up earlier Friday morning and wearing their Team USA gear in anticipation of watching their son in the first Group D match of the 48-team tournament.
“It’s a dream. We want to live it without waking up,” Cesar Roldan said. “It gives us goosebumps going to the game today, and seeing the environment. I know it’s going to be loud.”
The United States will play two of its three group stage games in Inglewood. The United States’ other group stage game at Lumen Field in Seattle also will have special meaning for Roldan, who has played for the Seattle Sounders alongside since 2015.
Ana and Cesar Roldan moved to California in the 1980s when their countries, Guatemala and El Salvador, were involved in civil wars. Born and raised in Pico Rivera with two brothers, Roldan played soccer on a patch of grass in the family’s back yard. Cesar Roldan made a goal from PVC pipes.
Roldan led El Rancho High School to the Southern Section Division III title and a 29-2-1 record. As a senior, he had 54 goals and 31 assists.
He went on to play two seasons at the University of Washington.
Roldan helped the Sounders to a Concacaf Champions Cup in 2022, two MLS Cups and a Leagues Cup. He earned his first-ever MLS Best XI selection in 2025.
The Sounders captain made his international debut in 2017. He has 45 caps and helped the United States win two Gold Cup titles.
Telemundo Deportes hosts Luis Omar Tapia and Gio Del Fa break down what Cristian Roldan brings to the U.S. Men’s National Team, from his technique and creativity to his vision, and why his presence is key to Mauricio Pochettino’s success at the 2026 World Cup.
Roldan was eligible to play for Guatemala or El Salvador, but he chose the United States.
“It was a very hard decision, knowing you could represent El Salvador and Guatemala,” Roldan said on an episode of “My New Favorite Futbolista.” “But I wanted to give back to the United States for everything they gave our family.”
Roldan is one of two United States players with ties to Southern California. Twenty-eight-year-old Haji Wright was born in Los Angeles and made his international debut in June 2022 against Morocco.
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About the 2026 World Cup
The World Cup kicked off Thursday with Mexico winning the opener over South Africa in Mexico City. Co-hosts USA and Canada have their openers in Los Angeles and Toronto on Friday.
The 48-team group stage lasts until June 27, then the top two teams in each group along with the eight best third-place finishers will advance to the Round of 32 beginning on June 28.
The remaining winning teams will then play in the Round of 16 starting on July 4. The quarterfinals will be held on July 9, and the semifinals will be July 14 and July 15, leading up to the championship match at MetLife Stadium on July 19.
Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium, renamed Los Angeles Stadium for the tournament, is one of the venues that will host the international soccer tournament. There are five group stage matches at the stadium and three knockout phase games
There are five group stage matches at the stadium and three knockout phase games
June 12: USA v. Paraguay
June 15: Iran v. New Zealand
June 18: Switzerland v. Bosnia and Herzegovina
June 21: Belgium v. Iran
June 25: USA v. Türkiye
June 28: Round of 32 match
July 2: Round of 32 match
July 10: Quarterfinal
Other U.S. host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle and the Bay Area.
Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey are Mexico’s host cities. Toronto and Vancouver will host matches in Canada.
You can tune into “My New Favorite Futbolista” wherever you listen to podcasts, with episodes featuring Roldan and more World Cup stars.
Jonathan Lloyd and Olivia Garvey
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