As a fifth-grader at Linwood E. Howe Elementary School, Haji Wright wrote in his yearbook: “When I am 25-years-old, I hope to be the best professional soccer player in the world. I also hope to meet by idol, Ronaldinho. I want to be a soccer player because I love the thrill of soccer. I also just love to score goals and help my team win the finals. I am the captain. I love soccer.”
Now, at 28, Wright is appearing in his second World Cup tournament as a member of the U.S. Men’s National Team. In 2022, Wright, at only 24-years-old, started for the U.S. as it came away with a 0-0 draw against England in its second game of the Group Round in World Cup action in Qatar. All told, he competed in four matches in 2022 as Team USA ultimately fell, 3-1, to the Netherlands in the Round of 16.
In this year’s tournament, Wright saw his first action as an extra-time sub in Team USA’s 2-0 victory over Australia 2-0 in the Group Round.
Wright made his international debut as a halftime sub against Morocco on June 1, 2022 and became the 56th USMNT player to score in his first appearance, converting from the penalty spot after being handed the ball by Christian Pulisic.
He currently plays forward or winger for Coventry City of the English Premier League.
Wright and his fellow Americans will take the pitch at 5 p.m. on Monday, July 6 in Seattle as they take on Belgium in the Round of 16.
Culver Pride
