Tyler Adams expressed frustration over missing games due to injury while watching the USMNT lose two friendlies in March. He hopes to contribute to improving the team's future performance.
Key points
Tyler Adams is recovering from a hamstring injury.
He missed two March friendlies for the USMNT.
The USMNT lost 5-2 to Belgium and 2-0 to Portugal.
Adams expressed frustration over not being able to help his team.
He aims to improve the future of US soccer.
Mentioned in this story
Tyler Adams
USMNTfriendly matchesBelgiumPortugal
USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams: I hope we leave the game in a better spot
The injuries have been frustrating for Tyler Adams, sure. But even more frustrating for the U.S. international? Watching from afar when he feels like he should be on the field to help.
So, March was not easy for the midfielder.
He watched from afar as the United States fell in both its March friendly matches, losing 5-2 to Belgium and 2-0 to Portugal, but rather than being in the locker room to offer feedback or lend an encouraging word, he was working back from a hamstring injury.
“Anyone that knows me knows I’m a competitor at the highest level, and I just want to win no matter what. When you can’t be there to support your teammates, and it’s not the best of times and the best performances, I always find that extremely difficult,” he told USA TODAY Sports. “When the team is having success, I’m the biggest fan … but when you’re not there and not able to go through that struggle and feel the pain they’re feeling in that moment, it’s tough because you don’t know exactly what anyone’s thinking. You don’t know the morale of the team.
“I can’t wait - if I get the opportunity - to be back with the boys and really support them and continue to try and grow.”
Anyone watching American soccer expects Adams to get the opportunity, with his fitness the only thing that has kept him from playing essentially every U.S. game of the past four years. A midfield presence who can take the ball off nearly any attacker, puts himself into passing lanes to win the ball back and never stops running, Adams is a key part of the U.S., and clearly the team missed him as much as he missed it in March. He also has slotted right back into Bournemouth’s team, helping Andoni Iraola’s side stay on track for its best-ever finish in the and continue fighting for a UEFA Champions League place.
Q&A
What injuries has Tyler Adams been dealing with?
Tyler Adams has been recovering from a hamstring injury that has kept him off the field.
What were the results of the USMNT's March friendly matches?
The USMNT lost 5-2 to Belgium and 2-0 to Portugal in their March friendlies.
How does Tyler Adams feel about missing games for the USMNT?
Tyler Adams feels frustrated about missing games and wishes he could help the team during their losses.
What does Tyler Adams hope for the future of US soccer?
Tyler Adams hopes to leave the game in a better spot for future players and the USMNT.
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That’s why, despite his modesty, he’s a lock to be on the U.S. roster when manager Mauricio Pochettino unveils it on May 25.
Adams was excited to be work with Pochettino, a respected Argentine manager who took over the U.S. in summer 2024 after spells with Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. Adams and Pochettino had crossed paths because of several meetings in Europe. The midfielder made his UEFA Champions League debut with RB Leipzig, helping knock out Pochettino’s Tottenham Hotspur in the Round of 16 as the German squad pushed to the semifinals in 2020.
“There was a time when he was at Chelsea that I was possibly going to have the opportunity to go to Chelsea. The soccer world is really, really small and you cross past with a lot of different people,” Adams said. “I’ve heard from so many people how amazing of a manager he is and how amazing of a person he is. That's all come true with his time at the national team.
“I think any time that I've been in camp, the conversations that I have with him on a personal level are really, really deep. He tries to get a good understanding for who you are and why you are the person that you are. That’s to get the best of you on the field, which I think he continues to do.”
Weston McKennie of United States and Samu Costa of Portugal compete for the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Christian Pulisic of United States controls the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Vitinha of Portugal passes against Alex Freeman of United States during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Timothy Weah of United States controls the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Mauricio Pochettino greets Roberto Martinez, Head Coach of Portugal, right, prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Bruno Fernandes of Portugal is challenged by Auston Trusty of United States during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta.
Aidan Morris of United States is challenged by Joao Cancelo of Portugal during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Mauricio Pochettino looks on prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Sebastian Berhalter of United States passes whilst under pressure from Goncalo Ramos of Portugal during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Fans of United States cheer prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Players of United States form a huddle prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Players of United States and Belgium line up prior to the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Belgium's Jeremy Doku (11) controls the ball against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
USA's Christian Pulisic (10) controls the ball against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
USA's Weston McKennie (8) scores a goal against Belgium during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) scores a goal on a penalty kick against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) reacts Wirth teammates after scoring a goal on a penalty kick against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
USA soccer fans shown during the match against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
Amadou Onana #24 of Belgium is challenged by Malik Tillman #17 of the United States during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Belgium's Dodi Lukebakio (14) scores a goal against the USA during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
Weston McKennie of the United States celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
A fan of United States with face paint looks on during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
USA's Mark McKenzie (22) and Belgium's Lois Openda (9) fight for the ball at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
Dodi Lukebakio #14 of Belgium celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal with teammate Jeremy Doku #11 during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Nathan Ngoy #20 of Belgium is challenged by Sebastian Berhalter #14 of the United States during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Dodi Lukebakio #14 of Belgium scores his team's fifth goal during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
1 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Weston McKennie of United States and Samu Costa of Portugal compete for the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
1 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Weston McKennie of United States and Samu Costa of Portugal compete for the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
2 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Christian Pulisic of United States controls the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
3 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Vitinha of Portugal passes against Alex Freeman of United States during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
4 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Timothy Weah of United States controls the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
5 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Mauricio Pochettino greets Roberto Martinez, Head Coach of Portugal, right, prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
6 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Bruno Fernandes of Portugal is challenged by Auston Trusty of United States during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta.
7 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Aidan Morris of United States is challenged by Joao Cancelo of Portugal during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
8 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Mauricio Pochettino looks on prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
9 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Sebastian Berhalter of United States passes whilst under pressure from Goncalo Ramos of Portugal during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
10 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Fans of United States cheer prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
11 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Players of United States form a huddle prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
12 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Players of United States and Belgium line up prior to the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
13 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Belgium's Jeremy Doku (11) controls the ball against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
14 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
USA's Christian Pulisic (10) controls the ball against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
15 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
USA's Weston McKennie (8) scores a goal against Belgium during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
16 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) scores a goal on a penalty kick against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
17 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) reacts Wirth teammates after scoring a goal on a penalty kick against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
18 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
USA soccer fans shown during the match against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
19 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Amadou Onana #24 of Belgium is challenged by Malik Tillman #17 of the United States during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
20 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Belgium's Dodi Lukebakio (14) scores a goal against the USA during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
21 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Weston McKennie of the United States celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
22 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
A fan of United States with face paint looks on during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
23 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
USA's Mark McKenzie (22) and Belgium's Lois Openda (9) fight for the ball at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
24 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Dodi Lukebakio #14 of Belgium celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal with teammate Jeremy Doku #11 during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
25 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Nathan Ngoy #20 of Belgium is challenged by Sebastian Berhalter #14 of the United States during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
26 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Dodi Lukebakio #14 of Belgium scores his team's fifth goal during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
The March results have plenty of fans concerned about whether the U.S. is actual reaching its best when it needs to, with the unique opportunity of having a World Cup on home soil approaching. It doesn’t get easier. The U.S. plays Senegal and Germany in its final preparation matches before opening the World Cup against Paraguay on June 12.
Adams said different observers will have different standards for what constitutes success for the U.S. at this home World Cup, but he won’t evaluate it until the tournament has come to an end. He does believe, however, that the better the American team does, the more likely it is to win over new fans and convert casual fans of the sport into hardcore fans of the Stars and Stripes.
“You'll know when you leave the World Cup, whether you've had a successful World Cup or not, and I think that's going to be directly associated with the growth of the game in the US, and I just hope that we leave the game in a better spot than it already is in the U.S. and growing,” Adams said.
Adams spoke to USA TODAY as part of Scotts’ Keep It Real initiative, which works to expand access to youth sports and green space. Adams is part of the vast majority of soccer players who advocates for playing the game on real grass rather than artificial turf, especially given his injury history.
“It’s super important to play on natural surfaces," Adams said. "I think if you look at the NFL, for instance, I'm a Giants fan and you look at MetLife and the condition of that pitch, you see how many players, big players, often our best players end up getting injured each year. You see the toll that it takes on the body.
“For me playing as a professional athlete, I notice right away what type of surface I'm playing on, whether it's good or bad. And that could be grass or artificial. But from a recovery standpoint, I feel much better when I'm playing on natural grass.”
Scotts conducted a field day at a field in Adams’ hometown of Wappingers Falls last year, restoring a field Adams played on as a kid that “wasn’t in the best conditions. It was just me and my neighbors outside playing and kicking the ball around. Now, they’ renovated the pitch into a really nice field where kids are playing soccer every single day on it.
“I think it’s support important to remember that when you have the opportunity to do something, do it the right way. Being able to give back to my community is something I’m very grateful for.”
That tracks. Adams doesn’t like being on the sideline watching when he feels like he should be out there helping.
