When Tyler Adams thinks about the pressure surrounding this summer's World Cup, his mind doesn't immediately go to stadiums, fans, or even soccer. It goes to home.

The U.S. men's national team midfielder says becoming a father has dramatically reshaped how he handles the weight of expectation—especially with the 2026 World Cup set to be played on home soil. Adams, who captained Team USA during the 2022 tournament in Qatar and became the youngest U.S. captain since 1950, now has two sons (born in January 2024 and October 2025). And they've given him a game-changing perspective.

"When you come home and you have a bad day or an amazing day, your kids don't ask you how soccer was," Adams tells PEOPLE exclusively while discussing his partnership with Scotts. "You come home and they're saying, 'Let's go for a bike ride or let's go outside and play.'"

That shift in mindset, he explains, has helped him separate the highs and lows of professional soccer from his life off the pitch. Instead of overanalyzing performances or carrying pressure home, Adams now focuses on trusting the work he's already put in. The result? He feels more present, more confident, and ready to take his game to another level.

"I think ultimately that's what has allowed me on the field to really take another step," Adams says, "because I'm not putting an immense amount of pressure on myself."

Looking back at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the 26-year-old admits he didn't fully appreciate the magnitude of the moment while it was happening. But with the 2026 tournament approaching, he hopes the experience inspires more kids across America to pursue soccer—and he's also advocating for natural grass fields, which he believes are better for athletes' recovery and long-term physical health.

As for handling the pressure of a home World Cup? Adams has found his secret weapon: a bike ride with his kids.