Brek Shea exclusive: Jackpot City speaks to the former USMNT/MLS/EPL midfielder & defender about the 2026 World Cup.

Promoting their online slot game Football Star Deluxe, Jackpot City Casino, speaks exclusively to the former Stoke City and USMNT star Brek Shea who has given his thoughts on the MLS Cup final, Premier League, World Cup and more.

Shea has also explained how his professional debut happened to be against David Beckham, who went on to be his boss at Inter Miami later on in his career.

The 34-cap international has also detailed why he thinks Cristiano Ronaldo would be an even bigger draw to MLS than Lionel Messi and how Folarin Balogun could earn a move back to Arsenal.

Q: Who are you hoping that the USMNT avoid in the World Cup draw?

“There's a few teams I wouldn't want to face. I wouldn't want to face a powerhouse from South America or a European giant. Let's build ourselves into it.

“I mean, I think there's going to be a lot of nerves and excitement like anyone going into the World Cup, but especially in your home country and your home nation, you want to try to do everything right, which can get you a little too anxious.

“But it's exciting for the players, exciting for the country, exciting for me. I can't wait for it to get going.”

Q: How important is winning the opening game for the USMNT?

“Whether it's the World Cup or an under 12s tournament, you want to win your first game, right? It sets you up for the group stage. You need to get a point at least going into the second game or otherwise it turns pretty stressful pretty quickly.

“Look at Canada in the last World Cup, a great team. I thought they played well in all the games. But they couldn't find the back of the net when they needed to.”

Q: Why has Mauricio Pochettino been testing a huge squad of players?

“For example, I think an England manager can see the English players pretty much on a daily basis, but Mauricio Pochettino coming to this country is a new thing for him and he wanted to look at all the players.

“There's a lot of players that are kind of floating around a potential call-up, but I even thought it was a lot, but it's hard. I think it's gonna be hard to narrow them down.

“The first 15 are pretty locked in and it's pretty standard. We know Matt Turner and Matt Freeze as the goalkeepers, you got Chris Richards, you got Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah.

“You’ve got the big names and then you have a few of the other guys that are floating right there.

“For me, Cristian Roldan at the Seattle Sounders. He's been a staple there for I think 11 years, a player I know and played against him, he's a guy that I think should make the team purely on his personality.

“He's a guy that goes out and pushes everyone else in training whether he's starting or not starting. He's just a top player you need in your squad and especially for something like this.”

Q: Are you expecting any big shocks in his squad selection?

“I think the biggest thing, I'm sure for all countries, but I notice it more with the US, is right now a lot of players that are on the fringe are also injured. We have some guys that should be there that have been injured, so they need to obviously get healthy, get playing, and start performing, and they are certainties. Then the other players that are on the cusp are injured too, so that doesn't really help their case.

“I think if Ricardo Pepi gets healthy, he'll be there. If Gio Reyna is on a run of form and he's healthy, I think he'll be there. I think they're both kind of on the cusp just due to injuries.

“I mean, you've got Cameron Carter-Vickers, he's dealing with an Achilles injury. I like him. I think he should be there, but you just can't tell right now. I think whoever's in form and healthy is going to make the squad.”

Q: Why has Mauricio Pochettino snapped at the press?

“I think you could look at it both ways, right? I mean, like he made very clear, he's the boss, he's in charge, he does what he wants, he doesn't care what the media thinks.

“So he obviously, or hopefully has a plan and I think he does. But I think what he was also mad about, the lineup versus Uruguay, some people could have thought it wasn’t the first team, maybe a second team, but they went out and showed that they were pretty good players, you know, they did well, whether Uruguay played the best or not.

“I mean, the U.S. still went out and performed and it was exciting. I was at that match. So being a fan again, it was fun to be there and watch.”

Q: Which young USMNT player could burst onto the scene like Julian Green?

“I don't think we have one as young as Julian Green was, but I like Alex Freeman, not just because he scored two goals against Uruguay, but he's a solid player.

“He's a specimen athlete, works hard, and every time he steps on the pitch, he looks like he has something to prove. Obviously, U.S. fans know Diego Luna. For me, he's got that dog in him. He goes out there and he can change a game and just bring that raw mentality.

“If he's not playing well, he's still going to be a nuisance for the back line and cause havoc. I think him coming off the bench in the World Cup is a good thing for us.”

Q: How important is Antonee Robinson to the USMNT?

“Antonee Robinson has to be fit. We need him fit. Our back five, with Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Miles Robinson, and either Alex Freeman or Sergino Dest on the right and Robinson on the left, is a strong, physical, and fast back line.

“Plus, he has the ability to get forward. When you watch him play, he is a seven out of ten every single game. He works hard, defends well, creates problems, and is rarely beaten. I'm a big fan and I hope he is healthy, as I think we really need him to be.”

Q: Could Antonee Robinson secure a Champions League move with a good tournament?

“If Antonee Robinson is healthy and he's at the World Cup and he's performing and the US is doing well, they get out of the group. I think we've seen it before, any team that gets out of the group and the player does well has a chance to move, and he's already been linked with bigger clubs, right?

“So, I think that's just the icing on the cake, which could help him. For Fulham fans that’s bad news, but seeing him move on could happen.”

Q: Is there pressure on Christian Pulisic ahead of the tournament?

“Again, I think above every other player, we Christian Pulisic firing on all cylinders. We need him healthy, feeling good, and confident. He's our guy, right?

“Everyone says Captain America, whether he likes it or not, that's him. We need him, and he is in form. He's still struggling a little with injuries, he pulled away from the national team this summer to get healthy and rest.

“I'm okay with that as long as he's firing and ready to go come World Cup time.”

Q: Could Florian Balogun earn a move back to Arsenal?

“Florian Balogun is an exciting player. He's someone else that has been dealing with injuries, maybe not recently, but a couple months ago and last year.

“The US missed him when he was out, but when he's with the team, he scores and he causes problems. He's an exciting player to watch.

“Another one that, I think if he does well and he's starting for the US and scoring, why wouldn't Arsenal want him back? That team right now is unbelievable. I know he'd have a hard time breaking in. But if that's where he was and wants to be, I don't see why not.”

Q: Who do you see being in the USMNT starting XI?

“I think it's adaptable. The front three, maybe for me, would be Folarin Balogun, Christian Pulisic, and Tim Weah. I think they all three could rotate. Balogun can drop in, Pulisic can pull high, and Weah could stretch the defense.

“Weah could also play on the right as a wingback, which we saw him do for Juventus, and I'm a big fan of him. I like players who can stretch the defense and let the crafty players come underneath when they have space. You need a combination of that, not just everyone coming in short or everyone going long, so I like those three together.

“In the midfield, between Tyler Adams, Tanner Tessmann, and Weston McKennie, I think those three are going to be one or two of the starters. I couldn't tell you one way or the other.

“If Weston is fit and healthy, he's a player that I think always does well, and I like his game. Tyler Adams is a little terrier in the midfield and he scored an unbelievable goal recently.

“I like him. You need a terrier, you need someone who can clean up.

“I'm a big fan of Cristian Roldan. If he needs to come in and clean up the game and finish it out, he does his job every single time he plays.”

Q: What would mark success for the USMNT at the World Cup?

“I'm always going to believe. I always believe we're going to go to the finals. If you're not believing that, what's the point? Especially in your home country.

“I mean, there's an old video of Tiger Woods in his first professional tournament. The guy is talking to him saying, ‘Hey, like you're in your first professional tournament. You're not going to come out and win.’ He goes, ‘Well, what's the point of entering the tournament if I don't believe I can win?’

“So I kind of like that, and I take that mentality into things. So as a fan, I can use that as well. So, I hope we do well, and I would like to get further than one group stage, especially now that there's an extra round.”

Q: Which of your former USMNT team-mates could go on to manage the side?

“If you ask anyone that played with him or knows him, Michael Bradley, obviously with his dad, Bob, they are very similar in their demeanors and everything like that.

“I think he took the second team in Red Bulls and did well, I believe. And so he's already shown that he can do it and went to a team and had success. Obviously, Steve Cherundolo I played with, unbelievable career, unbelievable person, had success in LAFC.

“Obviously, he's moving on. I don't know his future plans, but he's someone else that had success as a manager already.”

Q: How big will it be to have Cristiano Ronaldo playing at the tournament?

“I think if we have learned anything about Cristiano Ronaldo’s ban, FIFA does what it wants. He's a player you want there. Obviously he and Lionel Messi bring viewers and exposure.

“So yeah, I'm amazed that they're still playing, but not only that they're playing, but at the level they're doing it and still being very successful and scoring goals. So it's exciting to watch.”

Q: Will Mauricio Pochettino still be the USMNT manager after the tournament?

“That's a hard question to answer, right? If we go 0-3 in the World Cup, I hope they step up. I mean, I know it's a lot of money, but the US has a lot of money, especially the US Soccer Federation. If they need to, I don't think they should blink an eye at it.

“But I'm not one to make those decisions. So I just right now believe we're going to do well. And I hope we do well. And I hope he stays.”

Q: Who have been your three standout players in MLS?

“Son Heung-min came in halfway through the year, and obviously we knew he was going to do well. I mean, I think the same with Thomas Miller and the same with Lionel Messi.

“I liked Anders Dreyer for San Diego. He came in and probably was a standout player. Obviously Matt Freese picked up the first-team job for the U.S. and playing for NYCFC.

“Cristian Roldan, again, his 11th season in Seattle, but he probably had his best season.

“Sam Surridge had a great season for Nashville, but then ran into injury and got knocked out. So, I think there are a few people that you can name.”

Q: How big is it for MLS to see Lionel Messi sign a new deal?

“I think from Miami's point of view, they could not let Lionel Messi go. Everywhere I've traveled, to Spain, to France, to South America, I see pink jerseys everywhere.

“It's actually insane how many Inter Miami jerseys there are everywhere you go, which is amazing for the league, and amazing for Inter Miami. Obviously, Messi probably knows that and has seen that before.

“But yeah, I didn't think he was going to be playing at this World Cup. It's truly astonishing to see Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi are still playing at this level for this long.

“I think Inter Miami personally needs him for their new stadium opening next year. I think they need that to kick it off for the first two seasons. So, good for them, good for the league. And Messi, keep doing your thing.”

Q: Just how well has David Beckham done with Inter Miami?

“My first game as a professional, at 17 years old, was against LA, and I was playing against David Beckham, someone who was like an idol to me. So it was pretty cool to come full circle, and actually end up playing for Miami, and him being my boss.

“Him turning a $25million idea into a billion-dollar company or investment, it is amazing. It's pretty amazing to see what he's done and for him to have helped the league this much.

“Obviously, as an American, that's what I want, and I want the game to grow as big as possible.”

Q: What have your interactions with David Beckham been like?

“Having David Beckham as a manager or a boss was a lot better than him as a player. He was pretty vulgar on the field, everyone has a chip on their shoulder of course, but I was thinking ‘oh my God it’s Beckham’ and he got in my face because I fouled him. But I loved every single bit of it.

“He’s a nice guy, an amazing guy, you never hear any bad stories about him despite being in the public eye. So kudos to him and what he's done for the team.”

Q: How impressed have you been with Thomas Muller at the Whitecaps?

“I think Thomas Muller was smart to choose that team. I played for Vancouver too, what an unbelievable city. So I'm sure he's not struggling off the field, but that team, a young team, from watching them, they look like such a tight-knit group.

“They play for each other, and there's not one person that thinks they're above everyone else, which is hard to find on a team. And then Muller comes in and you can't tell the difference.

“He's actually made them more tight-knit, and he's acting as one of them. I actually picked them to make it a few months back, and I'm excited they're there. I'm actually really excited for this game. They look really good in the Western Conference finals, exciting to watch.

“Like I said, they just look like they fight for each other. They never give up, and it's going to be an exciting final.”

Q: What is your prediction for the MLS Cup final?

“I think this will be a high-scoring game and I hope so. I think Vancouver are a better all-around team. I think Miami has one of the best attacks I've ever seen, and obviously have Lionel Messi, but they throw a lot going forward, a lot of energy, a lot of players.

“So, I think Vancouver are going to have some success, obviously, with their back line, and it hasn't been the strongest back line throughout the season, though.

“I'm hoping for a big game. I'm hoping 3-3 minimum. That's just what I want as a fan, and I think that would be exciting.

“I think it's cool for either Messi or Thomas Muller to win.

“Vancouver have never won it. I mean, that city hasn't had a championship in any sport in maybe 30 years,  maybe longer. So it'd be cool.

“Obviously, with Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba retiring, maybe Luis Suarez. I think it would be amazing too for Miami. I look at it both ways.”

Q: Would Cristiano Ronaldo have had the same impact as Messi in MLS?

“I think Cristiano Ronaldo would have had a bigger impact in MLS than Lionel Messi.

“No disrespect to Messi, but Messi seems like a homebody. He's very quiet. He doesn't speak the language quite well yet. So I just think Ronaldo seems more outgoing, does more things in the public eye.

“So I think just on that, speaking the language, doing interviews, I think would have just automatically had a bigger impact. I'm strictly speaking off field stuff. I don't know if he would have put up the same numbers, but a bigger impact? Yes, he would have.”

Q: How might Wilfried Nancy do as the new Celtic manager?

“I think that's kudos to the league that Celtic are taking somebody from MLS. Obviously, he had success at Montreal and then Columbus.

“I don't know him personally. I know players who played for him that loved him. I know players that did not like him, but I guess that's the same for every manager.

“But when you watch his team, especially this year with Columbus, and last year, it's very tiki-taka, very nice. I really enjoy the style that he tries to get them to play, possession based, getting the ball forward and creating chances.

“So I think that'd be a good move for Celtic and him, and I wish him nothing but the best.”

Q: Would you like to see Neymar playing in MLS?

“I don't obviously know what's going on with Neymar, but it doesn't look great in Brazil. And obviously his injury status is always up in the air. But when he's healthy, I don't think there's ever been a player like him, to be honest, or that I know of.

“I mean, maybe Ronaldinho, but this guy was different, he was special. So I hope he can get healthy. I hope he can play again, whether it's MLS or not. I don't know.

“If he did come, it would have to be the right team, and hopefully he would come and put 100% effort in, and I think he'd be successful. If not, there's a lot of distractions in America.”

Q: Might we see Alphonso Davies in the Premier League one day?

“I'll be honest, I think when Alphonso Davies is healthy, if he wants to go to the Premier League, he can go to the Premier League. I think he can go anywhere he wants.

“That's my true belief. I mean, when he was playing for Bayern Munich, I think there were Real Madrid rumors, you know? The guy is special. He's a freaking athlete.

“He's an unbelievable human and always joking around, a lighthearted guy. I really enjoyed him as a teammate and I'm happy to see his success.

“I feel like if he wants to go to the Premier League, if it's the right team, I think he'll be successful, no doubt in my mind.”

Q: How do you reflect on your time at Stoke City?

“As a kid, all I wanted to do was go play in England. That was the dream, the highlight, and I did it. I went where I wanted to go.

“Obviously, I have a bitter taste in my mouth. Let's say I didn't do what I thought I could do. I didn't prove that I could play. It was unsuccessful in my eyes, but as a human, I learned a lot. I grew.

“If I could go back, I would, but I can't. That's just the way the cookie crumbles sometimes, you know? But I'm thankful for my opportunity from Stoke, and I'm thankful that I got to see the Premier League and be there, something that most American kids just watch on TV.”

Q: What was it like working with Tony Pulis?

“It was one of those things where I had a bunch of teams coming after me, and MLS is not the easiest to work with. Trying to pick and choose, they weren't letting me go.

“Finally, I got to the point where I didn't care. I was like, ‘I just want to go.’ And I think I went to the wrong team with the wrong style at the time.

“Tony Pulis has his way to play, right? He's very direct and there's no changing. Granted, he's been very successful with teams doing that, keeping them up.

“I didn't know anything about him when I went there, and it was a shock for me. Again, I'm still thankful for Stoke and him for giving me the opportunity.”

Q: How do you reflect on your loan move to Birmingham City?

“I knew how big of a club Birmingham were when I arrived and how long they were in the Premier League. I think the ownership is showing this ambition to build a stadium and that shows they want to get back in the Premier League.

“I hope that's what it shows, and that's exciting. I hope they do. Yeah, I played there. It was exciting, and playing like Wolves or something like that, the crowd and everything. It was a pretty exciting time. And I enjoyed those games and I enjoyed my time there also.”

Q: Can Tom Brady have an impact at Birmingham like Ryan Reynolds at Wrexham?

“Tom Brady's career obviously speaks for itself, it's insane what he accomplished. I think having someone like him stay in sports and help grow the game of soccer is great.

“Look at JJ Watt with Burnley, American football players getting involved in ownership is excellent. As I always say, it's a pathway to growing the game in America.”

Q: Just how big are Wrexham in the US?

“Ryan Reynolds is a big guy here, you know, and what he's done is unbelievable. It kind of piggybacks off that show. It's like the real version of Ted Lasso.

“This no-name team, new owners and they’ve got promoted every year. I don't think a team's ever done that, right? Pretty exciting for them.

“Again, for American fans to get like an inside look on this whole situation and these different leagues, the going up and going down. It's pretty exciting because we don't have that here.”

Q: Would you love to see a USMNT player at Wrexham?

“I think a player there and a show like that would be amazing for American fans to see. But I'm happy wherever Americans are finding success, you know.

“It doesn't have to be Wrexham, it could be Birmingham, could be Stoke. I just want more Americans over there. Obviously, you guys know it's pretty hard for a foreigner to come play.

“A lot of Americans don't understand the whole situation with work visas and passports. But if an American player is sought after by them, I think it'd be great.”

Q: Who was your toughest opponent to play against in your career?

“Robert Huth at Stoke, this guy was like a brick wall. He was psycho, fast, and strong. He was good on the ball. Every time I thought I'd gotten past him, he'd put his arm out, and it was like a tree, I couldn't get around it.

“Obviously, he left Stoke and went on to win the Premier League with Leicester. But he was a guy I would leave training every day with bruises just from him running next to me.”

Q: Which of your team-mates do you consider to have been underrated?

“Going back to Stoke, Steven N’Zonzi, I mean, he was a special player. When I got there, I'd never seen somebody with that kind of composure.

“Obviously, he's actually back at Stoke at 35 and doing really well. So, I'm happy for him that he's still playing and finding success. Obviously, he won a World Cup with France, so that's pretty special.  I think he could have played for a top five club in any league, he had a special relationship with the ball.”

Q: Which manager did you learn the most from as a player?

“Adrian Heath. He played for Everton and Stoke, obviously. I had him at Orlando City when I left England to come back here. I just felt comfortable with him.

“I liked the way he ran our training. I liked the system we played. And he let me play with freedom under his structure. I just felt like he got the best out of me and I enjoyed being under his guidance.”