Walker Zimmerman says it was ‘an honor’ to represent USA, Kellyn Acosta ‘will be hungry’ for 2026

USA defender Walker Zimmerman insisted he came back strong to represent his country at the World Cup after being left out of Gregg Berhalter’s training camp roster last year.

The USMNT were knocked out of the World Cup after a 3–1 loss to the Netherlands but, despite the exit, Zimmerman insisted that it had still been an ‘honor’ to represent his country on the world soccer stage.

However, he came close to losing that privilege when he was delisted for a training camp in 2021 before being called up to replace Tim Ream.

USA defender Walker Zimmerman said it was “an honor of a lifetime” to play in the World Cup

He said he came back with a vengeance after being left out of Gregg Berhalter’s camp in 2021.

Zimmerman established himself as a mainstay for the US during that camp, and before the final World Cup squad was announced, there was no doubt he would be on the plane to Qatar.

After the US World Cup heartbreak, Zimmerman claimed he was happy about last year’s snub as it cheered him up.

“You have a lot of ups and downs and a lot of bumps in between,” he told Good Morning America.

The Nashville SC center back said he was happy about last year’s snub as it encouraged him

“So, it was just another part of my journey – not getting called up last October, coming back with a vengeance and really having something to prove and it turned out to play a big part in the World Cup and play a big part in this team.

“It’s a lifelong honor and I couldn’t be happier for those low moments because they definitely made me stronger.”

The USA decisively defeated Iran 1-0 in their final Group B match to book their place in the Round of 16 against the Netherlands, after drawing against Wales and England.

The Dutch quickly squashed the optimism and ambition surrounding Berhalter’s youth team, however, as Memphis Depay, Daley Blind and Denzel Dumfries were all on target to send the USA packing.

Despite the heartbreak in Qatar, the Americans will have a chance to prove themselves once again at the next World Cup in 2026, this time at home.

Memphis Depay opened the scoring with a clinical finish as the Dutch packed up the US.

Zimmerman’s teammate, Kellyn Acosta, said the team will return hungry and ready for the “huge” home tournament.

“It’s going to be a long four years, but we’re gaining momentum,” Acosta said. ‘I think having the games here at home is going to be great. I know it’s going to be immensely important and we’re excited about it.

“We have a young group of guys who are going to get invaluable experience from this World Cup and I know in 2026 we’re going to be hungry and ready.”

Both players expressed their appreciation for the support of American soccer fans both at home and in Qatar.

Kellyn Acosta affirmed that the team will return hungry from the World Cup at home in 2026

Zimmerman said: “It was iconic to see the moments of growing up as a kid, to see all the scenes of the fans in the pubs and in the bars and getting footage of the Americans doing that for us while we played was really special and we have a lot of what to be proud.

While Acosta agreed, he added: “The support was immense and seeing the videos from different fan bases from all different states was just amazing and we definitely felt it in Qatar and appreciated the support.”

The duo, who play in MLS which wrapped up its regular season in early October, said they were looking forward to resting over the holidays after an intense few weeks.