Part of the World Cup viewing experience for many Americans is rooting for more than one team: the U.S. women’s national team and the country they or their parents may have immigrated from. The same concept can be seen among the players in the tournament.
The diaspora of multiple countries is prevalent across the United States. At the international level, playing for the U.S. isn’t always the first choice or, in other situations, even an option.
This year, the Women’s World Cup expanded to 32 teams, increasing the chances of Americans playing for nations that aren’t the U.S. — in fact, 54 players in this year’s competition were born in the U.S. and represented another country that makes up their identity.
Casey Phair (left) is the youngest player to appear in a World Cup. Photo by Bradley Kanaris, Getty Images.
Casey Phair became the youngest player at a World Cup when she took the field for South Korea — she’s also currently enrolled at The Pingry School in New Jersey. The Philippines are by far the team with the most American-born players, with 18 of the 23 players playing for the country. Jamaica, who made the knockout round in its second-ever World Cup, also has double-digit U.S.-born players. With the Reggae Girlz elimination Tuesday, there are…
