Max Arfsten Answers 26 Questions
The 25-year-old talks coffee, music and which NBA player he would go 1-v-1 against
Twenty-six players have been named to the U.S. Men’s National Team roster for FIFA World Cup 2026. To get to know them better, we asked every player a set of 26 rapid-fire questions to learn more about their personalities and their journeys that led them to this incredible moment on the sport’s biggest stage.
Here are 26 questions with defender Max Arfsten:
What’s your wake-up routine?
I like to get up, get moving. I like to stretch for about 10 minutes, come outside, look at the sun for a little bit. Have some coffee, and then I’m good to go.
Are you an electric or manual toothbrush guy?
I’m electric.
What comes first: toothpaste or water?
The water.
What was your favorite subject growing up?
My favorite subject was English and writing, just because I kind of like thinking outside the box.
Outside of soccer, what’s something you’re really passionate about?
Right now, I’m passionate about trying my best to learn Spanish. I’ve been locked in on Duolingo.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
I keep myself motivated by remembering everything my family has done for me to try to chase this dream, and also just trying to represent my hometown.
What’s the first thing you bought with your first soccer paycheck?
I bought a Louis Vitton toiletry bag.
Are you a coffee or tea guy?
I’m a coffee guy.
What’s your go-to coffee order or are you making your own coffee?
I’m making my own these days. It’s an iced americano with maybe a little bit of oat milk.
Who would you say is the best barista on the team besides you?
Besides me, of course, I would say Gio (Reyna) or Joe (Scally) because I remember last camp they were telling me about how they’ve been really into it.
What song instantly puts a smile on your face?
SportsCenter by BossMan Dlow really gets me in the mood.
Who are your top five artists right now?
Drake, number one. BossMan Dlow, two. We got to put Gunna in there. Lil Baby and Shoreline Mafia. Shout out to Shorline, little California vibe.
If you weren’t playing soccer, what sport would you be playing right now?
Probably basketball. I grew up being a little hooper, and I enjoy getting some shots up.
Which NBA player would you go 1-v-1?
Maybe Luka Dončić. Hopefully, he wouldn’t be playing too much defense, and I get some buckets in there.
Who inspired you to be a soccer player?
My parents always supported me growing up. In terms of a player, Neymar Jr. I remember watching him as a kid and just loving the way he played.
Where is your favorite place that you’ve traveled to?
I’d say anywhere in Mexico for Concacaf Champions League, specifically Monterrey. That was a really fun, good experience to go there and play them.
How do you feel when you get to represent the crest?
It’s a dream come true every time I represent the crest and get to wear the jersey. I never take any opportunity lightly. As a kid, that’s all I dreamed of doing.
What’s one lesson the game has taught you off the pitch?
One lesson the game has taught me is to not get too high, not get too low, not to ride the waves too much and the ebbs and flows of this career. I feel like I’m at my best when I just stay level-headed.
When you go back home, what’s your favorite thing to do?
My favorite thing to do is to get some nice, authentic Mexican food and just spend time with my friends and family who I grew up with.
Who’s one person who really assisted you in your journey to becoming a pro soccer player?
I would definitely say my mom. Driving me up and down California, NorCal to SoCal to get me to my games and just allowing me to get as much exposure as I could.
When this tournament is over and you look back, what do you hope people say about the way you played and carried yourself?
I hope people say I played with bravery, with personality, and I hope people say I carried myself with ambition and respect for the badge.