U.S. National Team forward and three-time World Cup veteran Brian McBride announced his retirement from international soccer. The decision brings to an end a 13-year international career that produced 30 goals through 95 matches, leaving McBride as the second all-time leading scorer in team history.
The only player in U.S. history to score in multiple World Cups (1998, 2002), McBride is also the USA’s all-time leader in World Cup qualifying goals (10). The three-time World Cup veteran (1998, 2002, 2006) has the second-most appearances for the USA in World Cup matches (10), starting all five games in the 2002 FIFA World Cup and netting the game-winners against Portugal and Mexico. He also netted the USA’s lone goal in France ’98.
“It was an honor to have a player like Brian McBride at the core of the national team during my tenure,” said former U.S. Manager Bruce Arena. “With his goal scoring, ability in the air and intelligence on both sides of the ball, he is truly a player with qualities unlike any other player to wear the national team uniform. I always admired both his commitment and his leadership, and have nothing but the greatest respect for him as a player and a person. I would like to personally thank him for everything he has done for our national team program, and wish him and his family the best of luck for the future.”
McBride will continue playing at Craven Cottage. He has scored 19 goals in 54 league appearances for Fulham.