Cristian Roldan Answers 26 Questions

Twenty-six players have been named to the U.S. Men’s National Team roster for FIFA World Cup 2026. To get to know them better, we asked every player a set of 26 rapid-fire questions to learn more about their personalities and their journeys that led them to this incredible moment on the sport’s biggest stage.

Here are 26 questions with midfielder Cristian Roldan:

How do you start your mornings?

Has to be a coffee. Wake up hopefully before my daughter, get a coffee, and then get the day started.

Are you an electric or manual toothbrush guy?

Manual, 100%.

Smile with a soft smile or with teeth?

Right now with teeth, but definitely in pictures, soft smile.

What song instantly puts a smile on your face right now?

DTMF by Bad Bunny. It's a classic at this point.

How has having a kid influenced your career?

It's inspired me a whole lot. Made me more schedule-oriented and organized.

What's a family tradition you look forward to starting?

Something around Christmas. My parents made tamales growing up, so something along those lines, something that brings food and holidays together.

What's your favorite thing to do with the family?

Going on walks with my son, Charlie, my dog, and my daughter, Mia. It's really nice to get out.

If you could go pro in any sport that's not soccer, what would it be?

Definitely golf. It's a little different than soccer. Less team-oriented and more one-versus-one.

Who on the U.S. team would be part of your dream scramble team?

Definitely Christian Pulisic. He can do it all. I think his best attribute is scrambling. So definitely Christian.

What's a lesson you learned on the course that you were able to take to the pitch?

Think about the next shot, think about the next pass, think about the next play. You have to be a bit of a goldfish and forget about what happened, good or bad, and move on.

Who inspired you the most growing up?

I would say my dad and my mom. They sacrificed a whole lot for us to be able to play soccer. So I would say my parents.

What's a comfort meal that instantly takes you back home?

Definitely pupusas. My mom makes pupusas and is very well-known for the taste of her pupusas. For me, it's definitely something that reminds me of El Salvador or Pico Rivera, California.

How many can you put down in one sitting?

Probably seven or eight, easy. Nine or 10 if I'm pushing it. Those days are over, though. I'm a professional athlete now, so I have to be smart.

Where's your favorite place you've traveled to for soccer?

I'll say El Salvador. Our first qualifier game there against my brother brought a lot of good memories, and the level of competition was great.

If you could play any other position on the field for one game, what would it be?

Probably center back. It would be nice to see the entire field instead of having to be in the middle of it.

What's a memory with the USMNT you'll never forget?

For me, it was the Gold Cup when Miles Robinson scored that header and we beat Mexico in the last minute of the game. I think that was an awesome moment for all of us.

What's the one superstition or ritual you have?

I shower before every game. Super weird, but in the locker room, no matter if it's cold or hot water, it's definitely a shower.

What's the best advice you've ever received?

My dad always said to leave your child with a better life. That's what I'm trying to do now.

What's one word that comes to mind when you think about playing for the USMNT?

Pride. We take a lot of pride in what we do representing the United States.

How do you like to relax on your off days?

I like to golf, but these days with the family, you're spending a whole lot of time with the little one. So just spending quality time with her.

Growing up, who was more competitive, you or your brother?

Definitely me. I hated losing, and to this day I still do.

What were you guys the most competitive about?

We played basketball a whole lot in the front yard, so I'd say basketball.

Who's one person who really assisted you on your journey to becoming a pro soccer player?

Probably Alex, my brother. The level of competition that we had together was amazing. So I'm going to say Alex.

When this tournament is over and you look back, what do you hope people say about the way you played and carried yourself?

I hope people feel inspired and motivated. I hope the next generation wants to be in my shoes, or any of the players on our team's shoes. I hope that our team brings a lot of joy to our nation.