ONLY IN AMNEWYORK
HARRISON, N.J. — John Tolkin’s mind couldn’t help but wander as he sat in the stands at MetLife Stadium during the NHL’s outdoor game between the Islanders and Rangers on Sunday.
In two years’ time, in that very same building, the largest sporting event on the planet, the FIFA World Cup Final, will be held.
“I was just thinking of soccer fans being there and it’s going to be insane,” Tolkin told amNewYork. “For it to be right in our backyard, I mean, that’s really cool. The global game is coming here.”
There’s a good chance that Tolkin could be representing the Americans at the 2026 World Cup on home soil, which features eight matches in total at MetLife Stadium; the 21-year-old star defender for the New York Red Bulls continuing his ascent as one of the country’s best young talents.
Last season, the Chatham, NJ native set a Red Bulls franchise record for most assists by a homegrown player and defender with 10, paving the way for a first-ever MLS All-Star Game selection and call-up to the US national team. He recorded four caps (appearances) for the US, two of which came during the Gold Cup.
This year provides a massive chance to cement himself further on the national team’s radar as he’s likely to make the roster for the 2024 Summer Olympics — he’s been called into the United States Olympic camp three times since October.
He’ll be 24 at the start of the World Cup where his marauding brand of soccer plays perfectly into the United States’ attacking style.
“It’s a huge motivating factor. To be able to play in a World Cup in this country and if [the US national team] was able to play a game at MetLife Stadium, you can’t make that up,” Tolkin said. “That’s a dream come true. I wouldn’t have words to describe that. That’s motivation.”
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Tolkin needed a break after a 2023 campaign that brought an abundance of personal success.
He was a key reason why the Red Bulls made a 14th…
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