A Unique Advantage for…

SEATTLE — As the U.S. men’s national team gears up for what could be the most pivotal match in its history this Monday, let’s take a moment to ponder a critical and multifaceted question:

Could this be the U.S. men’s national team’s best hair game ever at a World Cup?

Like Christian Pulisic‘s stylish tapered mullet, this topic has many layers. The most stylish squad in American soccer history needs a blend of creativity, eye-catching styles, and authentic diversity. No solo stars allowed.

The current U.S. team presents a compelling case. With Weston McKennie‘s red, white, and blue dyed patch, Folarin Balogun‘s tight curls, Tim Ream‘s man bun, Chris Richards‘s impressive afro, Antonee Robinson‘s bleached hair, and Matt Freese‘s nearly mohawk style, this squad undeniably has a vibrant array of hairstyles.

But is it the best? Opinions differ.

“I might be biased, but absolutely not,” said Tony Meola, a veteran of the 1990, 1994, and 2002 U.S. World Cup teams, who also happens to be the son of a New Jersey barber.

Meola reminisced about the 1994 U.S. squad, which boasted Alexi Lalas’s wild red locks, Marcelo Balboa’s flowing mane, Cobi Jones’s signature dreadlocks, and Meola’s own iconic slicked-back ponytail. He joked that he had to cut it post-tournament because fans kept asking to touch it.

“The thing is, many of the current players’ hairstyles are great, but they wouldn’t have stood out back in the 90s. Our hair was integral to our identity,” he reflected.

That’s a valid point: Clint Mathis’s dramatic mohawk during the 2002 World Cup was a bold fashion statement for its time, while today’s athletes have embraced a greater range of hairstyles.

The U.S. team even has a talented stylist from London, Sheldon Edwards of HD Cutz, traveling with them since the tournament began, aiding the players in their hair journeys. As a result, some believe this commitment to unique self-expression through hair is contributing to the team’s visibility and connection with fans.

“They’re engaging with fans in a refreshing way,” Edwards shared. “It’s rewarding to help facilitate that.”

play

Gomez: Pulisic needs to spearhead USMNT attack vs. Belgium

According to Edwards, most American players take their hair seriously and often have custom styles in mind. Ream, for instance, carries a selection of hair elastics he acquired in London, which he uses to secure his bun. Weah has his own distinct visions for his hairstyle. Edwards noted that Tyler Adams desires a neat, polished look, while selecting McKennie’s colors required thorough scrutiny of numerous samples. Furthermore, a colleague of Edwards, skilled in braiding, specifically assisted players like Mark McKenzie, Miles Robinson, and Haji Wright.

When coach Mauricio Pochettino received a trim, the focus was on refining his naturally nice hair and ensuring that it stayed in place on the sidelines during windy conditions.

Interestingly, Pochettino seems to have maintained a full head of hair despite the pressures of coaching, which Edwards attributes to working with talented players.

The hair factor—specifically the absence of bald players or coaches—appears to work in this team’s favor. A casual look into U.S. World Cup hair history suggests this is the first team in over two decades without a bald player or coach.

“I’m probably not the best person to weigh in on this,” said Bob Bradley, who was among those with a bald head in 2010, along with his son Michael. “But it seems that today, players are more conscious about hair care. In the past, a few guys brought clippers, and that was it. Now it’s a bigger trend.”

Edwards mentioned he occasionally shares insights about World Cup hairstyles with the players, referencing former Belgium star Marouane Fellaini, known for his iconic afro. Richards, a key defender for the U.S., is now putting his unique spin on this memorable style.

“It’s a bold move that exudes confidence as a defender,” Edwards noted. “Chris is doing a great job with it while maintaining polished edges.”

While no current haircut reaches the era-defining status of Ronaldo Nazário’s famed “Cascao” hairstyle from 2002, fans have shown particular interest in the braided/bun styles of the Netherlands’ Crysencio Summerville as well as the vibrant hues sported by McKennie.

In the discussion of whether this U.S. team possesses the best hair in American soccer history, Edwards took a modest stance, while Meola proposed a compromise.

“If we’re going to have a hair battle,” he concluded, “I’d say the ’94 team wins the hair championship, while this current team gets to lift the World Cup trophy.”