Joe Scally Answers 26 Questions

Twenty-six players have been named to the U.S. Men’s National Team roster for FIFA World Cup 2026. To get to know them better, we asked every player a set of 26 rapid-fire questions to learn more about their personalities and their journeys that led them to this incredible moment on the sport’s biggest stage.

Here are 26 questions with center back Joe Scally:

What’s the first thing you like to do to ease yourself into the day?

The first thing I like to do in the morning, and is probably the best part of my day, is making coffee. It's my favorite thing to do.

If you weren't a soccer player, what would you be doing?

I would say barista.

Is coffee guaranteed to put a smile on your face?

Guaranteed.

After you have your coffee and you're brushing your teeth in the morning, what comes first: toothpaste or water?

The water, for sure.

We can probably guess one of these, but what are three things you can't live without?

Coffee, my dog, and fiancé.

And if you play any instrument, what would you play?

Guitar. My brother played a little bit in high school.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

Enjoy all the little moments. When you're younger, you everything a little bit serious and you always feel pressure, but always enjoy everything.

What’s your go-to guilty pleasure food?

Pancakes. That’s what I enjoy after a game when it's deserved,

What does your perfect off day look like?

Playing pool and enjoying the weather if it's nice. Or, making a nice fire and hanging out in the living room.

What first got you hooked on soccer?

It's got to be my brother. He played before me, so I followed in his footsteps.

What's one superstition or ritual you have before a game?

Always putting my left shin guard on before my right one.

Would you say that helps you get in the zone?

It makes me feel more relaxed and in a routine.

On trips, are you a window or aisle seat?

Aisle – both on the plane and on the bus.

What are the favorite trips you've been on?

Switzerland and Copenhagen.

If you had any super power, what would it be?

Flying. To be on top of everyone and flying around would be pretty crazy.

If you could play any other position on the field, what are you choosing and why?

Forward. As a defender, you always want to score goals, so [it’d be great] to be in those positions.

If you were a forward, what would your celebration be?

My go-to right now is a knee slide.

When you smile, do you show teeth or a soft smile?

Full teeth, always.

Who’s one person who really assisted you on your journey to becoming a pro soccer player?

My brother. I don't want to throw shade because I also have a sister; she's also helped me a lot. But my brother. He’s played all the sports before me, and I looked up to him.

What’s something you know now that you wish you knew earlier?

Enjoy all the little moments. Always try to be happy and see the positivity in everything.

What’s one part of your game that's improved with time?

Becoming a more full, complete kind of player. I definitely focus mainly on my defense and try to implement offense a little bit. That’s something in my game that's increased.

Who was your role model growing up?

Messi. He's best player in the world. I watched a lot of his games, so it's got to be him.

What’s one thing you want folks at U.S. Soccer to know about you?

I want them to know that when I'm wearing the crest, I'll always give 120%. There will never be a game where I seem tired or anything, I'm always going to be running nonstop.

If your U.S. Men’s National Team teammates could describe you in three words, what would they say?

Funny, outgoing and energetic.

When this tournament is over and you look back, what do you hope people say about the way you played and carried yourself?

I hope people see that I gave 100%. I didn't stop running, and I gave everything for the crest.