Christopher Cupps Named to U-17 World Cup Roster

Christopher Cupps will be representing the United States on the world stage this fall.

The Chicago Fire's homegrown star defender, who broke through into the first team out of nowhere this season, is a part of Gonzálo Segares' squad for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which will kick off in Qatar on November 3rd. Cupps is his age group's leading center back and will be a key player for a team hoping to take home the trophy.

Cupps' release for the tournament was not a certainty entering the fall. The defender had been injured on international duty this June when he was hurt early on in a U-17 friendly match against Japan, and subsequently missed several months of possible MLS action. Head Coach Gregg Berhalter raised concerns about his use on international duty on numerous occasions, but has ultimately allowed the 17-year-old to depart Chicago for the final tournament, ruling him out of some possible playoff action should the Fire advance to the latter stages.

The 2008 age group, which will compete in this tournament for the U.S., is on paper the strongest age group in the history of the U.S. youth national team programs, on talent alone. It is arguably the best shot the Americans have ever had at winning a men's World Cup at any level, and the addition of Cupps as a top-level center back for the age group is a key addition. There is not shortage of attacking firepower on the roster – Cavan Sullivan, Mathis Albert, Máximo Carrizo, Neimfasha Berchimas, Julian Hall, and Chase Adams make up one of the most formidable position groups in U.S. history – and Cupps helps balance that out at the other end of the field with defensive stability.

One other former Chicago Fire Academy player – Juan "Gio" Villa – will also take part, and could be a starting full back. Forward Chase Adams is a Chicago area native, but turned down the Fire Academy to join Columbus in 2022.

Segares' job now is to get the most out of that hyper-talented group and navigate the U.S. to a first global triumph on the men's side. Expectations are higher than ever before, and Chicago's top defensive prospect could be a key piece in making American dreams come true.

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