Biden calls USMNT to wish them luck before their first World Cup match in 8 years: 'Coach, put me in — I'm ready to play'

• Biden called the USMNT to offer the squad support before its first World Cup game against Wales.
• "Coach, put me in — I'm ready to play," Biden said.

President Joe Biden called the US Men's National Soccer Team (USMNT) to offer his support prior to the squad's first World Cup match in Qatar against Wales.

"Coach, put me in — I'm ready to play," Biden jokingly said to coach Gregg Berhalter.

Monday's game marks the first time the USMNT steps on to the World Cup stage in eight years, after failing to qualify for the tournament in 2018.

"I know you're the underdog. But I'll tell you what, man, you've got some of the best players in the world on your team, and you're representing this country and I know you're going to play your hearts out — so let's go shock 'em all," Biden said. "Keep trusting one another, play as hard as you can, and you know for you and your family and your teammates, the whole country is rooting for you."

Berhalter and the rest of the USMNT thanked Biden for the message.

Former President Barack Obama also offered his support to the team.

"Best of luck to @USMNT at the World Cup! Michelle and I are incredibly proud of what you've accomplished so far, and we'll be rooting for you all the way," Obama said in a tweet.

"We got you, 44," the USMNT's Twitter account said in response to Obama, alluding to the fact he was the 44th president of the US.

After playing Wales on Monday, the USMNT is set to take on England on Friday. Next Tuesday, the USMNT will play Iran.