The Road to the World Cup, Music & More

Joey Bada$$ sits down with U.S. Men’s National Team defender Miles Robinson for Billboard’s World Cup cover to talk about the the intersection of music and sports, handling pressure on the world stage, and what the World Cup means ahead of the tournament in the U.S. The two reflect on their respective journeys to success, discipline in the studio and on the field, staying grounded through success, and using their platforms to inspire the next generation.

This story is part of Billboard’s Global World Cup Series, a collection of 11 cover stories which pairs top soccer stars across the world competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with highly touted musicians in accompanying countries.

Joey Bada$$

Like, we was in the same place 12 years ago and then now we’re here, and it’s even an incredible testament to his journey ’cause it’s like, he was just in the crowd and now he’s a World Cup athlete. 

Dan Rys:

Well, guys, thanks for joining us for Billboard’s World Cup cover. Congratulations, Miles, for making the national team. 

Miles Robinson:

I appreciate it, I appreciate it. 

What does that mean for you? 

Miles Robinson:

Now it’s obviously massive. You know, I’ve been waiting my whole life almost for this moment. I’ve been training hard every day, so to be, you know, here and it’s actually about to happen, I’m really excited.

What are some of your earliest memories of music being a part of your life? 

Joey Bada$$:

Man, I wanna say as long as I can remember, music has just been part of the rhythm of my life, you know? I remember being, like, 2, 3 years old and getting excited when Biggie came on TV. Certain songs just activated me, like, as a child, I just felt it.

Miles Robinson:

Yeah, yeah. I mean, for me, always I was, you know, an athlete, so, um, always kinda getting in that mode, you put your headphones on, you listen to the music that you like to listen to that will really get you focused in that, like, zone, you know, ’cause you obviously wanna play at your best. Especially at this level, you wanna, you know, be very, you know, intentional with what you’re listening to pre-game. And so music has always been in my life. Growing up, it was all throughout my house, uh, listening to all different types of music, whether it be, like, jazz or reggae, that was all just ingrained in my life growing up.

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