USMNT Brings Challenge Coin Tradition To The 2022 FIFA World Cup

For every World Cup the team has participated in since 2002, the U.S. Men’s National Team has produced a unique ‘challenge coin’. Handed out as gifts by players and staff, the coin design fuses components of each country’s heritage as a symbol of our respect and appreciation.

 

This year’s coin includes several of those features. Present at the center of the back of the coin is a large bird, combining features of the falcon and the eagle, which represent the national birds of Qatar and the United States, respectively. The wings bear the national colors of each nation. The outer edge of the coin is ringed in Sadu, a traditional Bedouin weaving pattern that can be seen in the design of Al Bayt Stadium, site of the USA-England group stage match.

 

Each coin is inscribed with the words Be the Change in both English and Arabic.

 

“The coins are a very cool way to continue the tradition of U.S. Men’s National Teams at the World Cup,” USMNT defender Walker Zimmerman said. “I love how they incorporate elements that are meaningful to Qatar as well as to us here in the United States. We all have the ability to make a positive impact, and the message of Be the Change applies to all.”

 

Following the death of George Floyd and continuing growth of the important Black Lives Matter movement, the members of the U.S. Men’s National Team were inspired to develop their own mission statement to send and spread a meaningful message. From a diverse and united group, a call to action emerged:

 

Be The Change.

 

The spirit of our message is that each and every person has the ability, opportunity and responsibility to make a difference in their own way.

 

With the eyes of the world on the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the USMNT and U.S. Soccer will continue to elevate and advance the Be the Change message, inviting everyone on the journey to make a positive and lasting impact.