With the World Cup in the United States, the world of college football and international soccer have been crossing paths more than ever.

Some of the best athletes in the world have been training at college facilities across the country. Four-time World Cup champion Germany has brought its star-studded squad to Wake Forest, Curaçao has made its home at Florida Atlantic University, and out on the plains, Algeria is training at Kansas.

Unfortunatley, Penn State doesn’t get the oppurtuntiy to share Happy Valley with the world, but what if that weren’t the case. What if Penn State Football decided to send its best athletes to compete this summer at the World Cup?

We decided to compile a starting eleven of Penn State football players that could compete for the most coveted trophy in sports.

Goalkeeper – Benjamin Brahmer

Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 255 pounds, Benjamin Brahmer has all the physical tools needed to be an imposing goalkeeper.

In fact, if Brahmer went to the World Cup, he would be the third-tallest player there. His exceptional size and wingspan would make him a natural shot-stopper in between the sticks.

Brahmer has also demonstrated elite hand-eye coordination and strong hands throughout his career.

In 2025, he hauled in 37 receptions and six touchdowns during his All-Big 12 campaign. Goalkeepers must be confident catching crosses and controlling the ball in traffic, skills that translate naturally from his success as a tight end. 

Leftback – Kooper Ebel

Kooper Ebel has all the traits needed to excel as a fullback on the soccer pitch.

At 6-foot-4 and 233 pounds, he possesses the size and strength to win physical battles along the sideline. As a linebacker who started every game in 2025 for Iowa State, he’s shown the ability to read plays before they develop, a crucial skill for a defender tasked with shutting down opposing wingers all summer long.

His elite awareness and athleticism could also help the team move forward across the pitch.

Left Centerback – Max Granville

At 6-foot-3 and 252 pounds, Max Granville has all the makings of a dominant center back. He’s built to win physical battles and clear anything that comes near the box.

His defensive instincts are also evident from his high school career, where he recorded 38.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and eight pass breakups over three seasons. Add in his state-level track and field success in the hurdles and high jump, and Granville has the combination of size, athleticism, and playmaking ability needed to anchor the back line for the Nittany Lions at the World Cup.

Right Centerback – Caleb Bacon

Caleb Bacon brings the size and physicality needed to handle opposing strikers, while his experience as a team captain shows the leadership qualities every center back needs.

The 6-foot-4, 242-pound linebacker started all 12 games in 2025, recording 68 tackles with 9.5 for loss. Bacon also recorded three sacks and three pass breakups, showing the defensive talent he has. With his combination of defensive instincts, aerial ability, and leadership, Bacon would be a commanding presence for the back line in blue and white.

Rightback – Zion Tracy

5-foot-11, 184-pound Zion Tracy has spent his career covering some of the fastest athletes on the field. The cornerback’s skills translate well to defending opposing wingers. His combination of speed, agility, and footwork would allow him to track runs down the sideline while also joining the attack when needed.

Modern fullbacks are asked to cover a tremendous amount of ground. Tracy’s background as a defensive back suggests he has the quickness and athleticism to thrive in the role as he did week in and week out for the Nittany Lions in the fall.

Defensive Midfielder – Tony Rojas (Captain)

Tony Rojas would be a natural fit as a defensive midfielder and as one of the longest tenured players on the team, it would make sense for him to captain the team.

The ability to disrupt plays and control the middle of the field comes naturally to Rojas. The 6-foot-2, 236-pound linebacker earned All-Big Ten honorable mention honors in 2024 after recording 58 tackles, six tackles for loss, three interceptions, and four pass breakups.

Those ball-hawking numbers are important, as defensive midfielders are often tasked with breaking up attacks and turning defense into offense.

Rojas’ combination of physicality, instincts, and lawmaking ability would make him the ideal player to shield Penn State’s back line while serving as the engine of the Penn State midfield.

Box-To-Box Midfielder – James Peoples

James Peoples has all the qualities you’d want in a box-to-box midfielder. The former Ohio State running back stands at 5-foot-10 and 214 pounds. His combination of strength, balance, and explosiveness, with stamina, would impact both ends of the field and win Penn State games.

In 2025, he rushed for 344 yards and three touchdowns while averaging more than five yards per carry. This showcases the burst and vision that would translate well to driving through the hearts of midfields.

His ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver also suggests he’d be comfortable in many different formations. Whether tracking back to win possession or making late runs into the box, Peoples has the athleticism and versatility to thrive as Penn State’s midfield heart.

Attacking Midfielder – Rocco Becht

If Penn State needs a player to pull the strings in the attack, Rocco Becht is the obvious choice.

The former Iowa State quarterback built his career on reading defenses, making quick decisions, and delivering the ball exactly where it needed to go. These are traits that translate perfectly to a center-attacking midfielder.

Becht finished his Cyclone career with 9,274 passing yards, 64 passing touchdowns, and seven game-winning drives. This displays his ability to create scoring opportunities in the biggest moments.

Just as a quarterback orchestrates an offense, Becht would serve as the creative force in the middle of the pitch. Picking out passes, setting up teammates, and driving Penn State’s attack forward would be very easy for him.

Right Winger – Koby Howard

Koby Howard has all the traits needed to thrive on the wing. At 5-foot-11 and 203 pounds, he’s compact, explosive, and built to make defenders miss in space.

As a true freshman in 2025, Howard showed the ability to make big plays, recording seven receptions for 133 yards. He averaged an impressive 19.1 yards per catch, with three of his seven receptions going for at least 20 yards.

These stats best highlight the downfield speed and playmaking ability that would make him a dangerous winger capable of stretching defenses, creating chances in the attacking third, and winning games.

Left Winger – Chase Sowell

Chase Sowell would be a natural fit on the left wing.

At 6-foot-3 and 203 pounds, he brings a rare combination of size and athleticism. These combinations make him difficult for defenders to handle in open space.

The wide receiver has built his career on creating separation and making plays downfield. His length would help him shield defenders from the ball, while his speed and playmaking ability would allow him to attack.

Much like a modern winger, Sowell has the tools to stretch defenses, beat opponents in one-on-one situations, and provide a consistent threat in the attacking third of the field.

Striker – Ryan Barker

Ryan Barker is the ideal choice for a striker.

The Nittany Lion kicker was a three-sport athlete in high school, earning three varsity letters in soccer before arriving at Penn State. His soccer background gives him a natural understanding of the game. His powerful, accurate right foot is evident in his football resume and is only getting stronger.

Barker earned all-state honors as both a kicker and punter. He also connected on a school-record 45-yard field goal, and averaged 41.4 yards per punt as a senior. With proven ball-striking ability and years of soccer experience, Barker would be Penn State’s most natural finisher in front of the goal.