US President Joe Biden telephoned the American World Cup team ahead of their opener against Wales, telling them: “Let’s go shock ’em all.”
Mr Biden called the team on Friday, the US Soccer Federation said.
“It says POTUS [President of the United States]. That’s where it’s coming from,” US coach Gregg Berhalter said, reading the phone’s caller ID, according to excerpts of a video of players listening to the call.
“Coach, put me in. I’m ready to play,” Mr Biden began, echoing John Fogerty’s 1985 song Centerfield.