As U.S. Men's National Team star Weston McKennie approaches what could be the defining summer of his career—with a standout season at Juventus and a home-soil FIFA World Cup on the horizon—he's getting real about his biggest challenge on and off the pitch.
The 27-year-old midfielder has been a force for Juventus this season, racking up nine goals and eight assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. Since Luciano Spalletti took over as manager in late October, McKennie has started every match he's been available for, solidifying his role as a key player in Turin. He's also carried that form into international duty, scoring once in a 5-2 loss to Belgium during the USMNT's most recent outings.
But McKennie's path to this peak hasn't been without its hurdles. In the debut episode of Tubi TV's new docuseries, Destination World Cup 2026—titled "Countdown to Glory"—the Texan opens up about a recurring theme that has followed him throughout his career: his weight.
"My weight, for me, has always been my kryptonite," McKennie admits in the episode, which also features Spanish international Marc Cucurella and Wales star Harry Wilson. "Every single coach that I've had has always arrived and [said], 'West, you need to lose weight.'"
The episode, filmed about a year ago, follows McKennie as he returns to his home state of Texas after the 2024/2025 season. He hosts a large family gathering in Dallas, surrounded by loved ones. "I had a big, big family and friends gathering in Dallas. It was amazing, my brother was there, my sister, my nephews, my nieces. Home is perfect because I have my family," he says.
But even in those joyful moments, McKennie's discipline was tested. "The only downside to that gathering that I had is because I decided to initiate my three-day fasting on the day that we held the big barbecue," he reveals, adding with a grin, "Seeing people eat..."
For McKennie, this honesty about his "kryptonite" isn't just personal—it's a reminder that even elite athletes face daily battles to stay at the top of their game. As the World Cup buzz builds, fans will be watching to see how this USMNT star turns his biggest weakness into another strength on the road to glory.
