Notes: Superfan Jake Bates is beyond ready for USMNT’s World Cup run
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 04: Jake Bates #39 of the Detroit Lions warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Ford Field on December 4, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesThe United States' first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was on Friday night, and there's one Detroit Lion who's particularly excited about it.
The Detroit News' Nolan Bianchi caught up with U.S. Men's National Team superfan Jake Bates as the Stars and Stripes prepare to take on Paraguay at 9 p.m. at So-Fi Stadium in Los Angeles. Bates was asked if any Lion could join the USMNT roster, who would it be?
That'd be me," he said. That'd be like a dream come true watching the World Cup and thinking, man, that's going to be me one day."
Wrong, turns out you'd become a professional NFL kicker for a Super Bowl-contending team. Not too shabby.
He was also asked who he would add to the Lions roster, and saidChris Richards. Considering the defender is currently nursing an ankle injury, let's maybe keep a healthier roster. Though he may end up playing against Paraguay tonight.
Other predictions: the U.S. and Paraguay make it out of the Group Stage, Falorun Balogun will score the most goals, the U.S. will make it to the semifinal, and more.
While he's here in Michigan for OTAs, Bates says he's got tickets to see USMNT take on Australia in Seattle next week. For the final Group Stage match the following week, he'll be back home in Texas.
I have some friends from home that I used to play soccer with that I'm sure we'll get together with," he said.
You can watch the full, fun video here. Very nicely done, Nolan.
World Cup Q&A with #Lions kicker Jake Bates pic.twitter.com/meJHJg2lW8
- Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) June 12, 2026
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