For elite athletes, the FIFA World Cup is more than just a tournament; it is the zenith of professional achievement, a global stage where legacies are forged under the unrelenting glare of public scrutiny. For sisters Alyssa and Gisele Thompson—two of American soccer’s brightest rising stars—the weight of that stage is not theoretical. It is a lived reality. As the U.S. men’s national team navigates the high-stakes environment of a home-soil World Cup, advancing through the Round of 32, the Thompson sisters are offering a rare, intimate look at the psychological and physical armor required to survive the tournament grind.
In an exclusive conversation with Muscle & Fitness, the sisters—who have partnered with Verizon to promote the "Verizon Shine" loyalty program—reflected on the burden of representing a nation and the disciplined routines that keep them grounded when the world is watching.
The Psychological Weight of Patriotism
For the Thompsons, the pressure of a World Cup is not merely about the opposition; it is about the profound honor of the crest. Alyssa, 21, who made her mark as a forward and winger during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, emphasizes that while the pressure is immense, it is manageable through the sanctity of preparation.
"I think when you think about pressure, the most important thing is not letting it affect your internal rhythm," Alyssa says. "You have to rely on your practice and the work you’ve already banked. You have to trust that you’ve done the work before you ever step onto the pitch. I believe the men’s team is incredibly prepared for the challenges that lie ahead."
Gisele, 20, a standout defender for Angel City FC who gained invaluable experience during the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, echoes her sister’s sentiment regarding the duality of pride and performance. "Playing for your country is a unique kind of pressure because you’re not just playing for yourself or your club; you’re playing for the entire nation," Gisele explains. "You’re pressed with honor. Every game is a hard game. The key is coming together as a unit, blocking out the external noise, and focusing strictly on what you can control."
Chronology of a Rising Career
The trajectory of the Thompson sisters is a testament to the accelerated development of modern professional soccer. Their journey, while still in its infancy, is marked by high-level experience that belies their age.
- 2022: Alyssa Thompson competes in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica, establishing herself as a formidable talent on the international stage.
- 2023: Alyssa secures her spot on the USWNT roster for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, an experience she describes as both a dream and a significant learning curve.
- 2024: Gisele Thompson plays a pivotal role for the U.S. U-20 team in Colombia, helping the squad advance to the knockout stages and gaining essential experience in high-pressure, international knockout soccer.
- 2025-2026: Both sisters continue to develop within the NWSL and international pipeline, with their sights firmly set on the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
These milestones have provided the sisters with a sophisticated understanding of how to manage expectations. They acknowledge that while the 2023 tournament didn’t result in the glory they envisioned, the experience provided the necessary scar tissue for future success. "As players, we learn to have a short-term memory," Alyssa reflects. "You can’t get too high or too low. We treat these tournaments as lessons, not burdens."
The Home-Field Advantage: A Double-Edged Sword
As the men’s team battles on American soil, the Thompsons are keenly aware of the psychological impact of playing in front of a home crowd. While they did not have the opportunity to play their major tournament games in the U.S., they recognize the electric, often overwhelming, energy that comes with a domestic audience.
"Having your fans behind you, standing behind your country, provides a motivation that is impossible to replicate," says Gisele. "When the opposition loses possession and the crowd erupts, that energy is a physical fuel. It pumps you up. It’s an undeniable advantage."
However, that same energy can become a source of stress if not channeled correctly. Gisele notes that the challenge lies in reframing that intensity. "People feel the pressure, sure, but you have to shift your perspective. It’s about feeling the pride and the passion of the fans, rather than the expectation of them. That is how you block out the fear of failure."
Performance Science: Fueling, Napping, and Mental Reset
Beyond the mental game, the sisters adhere to a rigorous physical regimen that balances high-intensity training with strategic recovery. Both emphasize that performance in a multi-week tournament is won or lost in the hours between the final whistle and the next kickoff.
The Nutritional Rhythm
"Fueling is the foundation," Gisele notes. Her approach is dictated by the schedule of the match. If the game is slated for a late kickoff, she prioritizes a substantial morning meal followed by smaller, nutrient-dense snacks throughout the day. "It’s about sustaining energy throughout the entire 90 minutes. You cannot afford to dip."
The Art of the Nap
Both sisters utilize the power of the "strategic nap" to regulate their nervous systems. For Alyssa, the goal is to calm the mind as much as the body. "I overthink the game," she admits. "If I don’t rest, I burn out before I even step on the grass. Napping helps me reset my brain and ensures that I’m not carrying the stress of the day into the stadium."
The "1% Better" Mentality
Alyssa’s approach to training is defined by incremental growth. During her time with Angel City FC, she adopted a mantra: "Get 1% better every day." This philosophy allowed her to navigate the transition from a first-year pro to an international starter without feeling overwhelmed by the steep learning curve of professional soccer.
Official Responses and Partnership Values
The partnership between the Thompsons and Verizon goes beyond traditional sponsorship. It serves as a bridge between the athletes and the fanbase. During a recent campaign, the sisters spent time engaging with fans to distribute tickets for the World Cup finals.
"It was eye-opening," Gisele recounts. "We were handing out tickets, but the fans weren’t just interested in the game. They wanted to know about our stories, our struggles, and our training routines. Seeing that level of passion—it reminds you why you do this."
Verizon, through its loyalty program, has sought to humanize the World Cup experience, offering fans once-in-a-lifetime access. For the Thompsons, this interaction is a reminder of the community that surrounds the sport, a community that is currently rallying behind the men’s team as they push toward the later rounds.
Implications for the Future
The Thompson sisters represent a new generation of American soccer players who are as comfortable with the mental demands of the sport as they are with the physical ones. Their advice to the men’s team currently in the hunt for the trophy is simple: trust the work.
"I would tell them to trust their preparation," Gisele concludes. "They have been training for this moment for years. When you reach this level, the work is done. It’s just time to execute."
As the U.S. men’s team looks toward the business end of the tournament, the insights provided by the Thompsons highlight a universal truth in sports: the highest level of competition is not just a test of talent, but a test of character. Whether it is the 2026 men’s tournament or the 2027 Women’s World Cup, the ability to manage the pressure of the spotlight remains the defining factor between those who participate and those who make history. For Alyssa and Gisele Thompson, the journey continues, fueled by the lessons of the past and a clear-eyed focus on the future.
Raul Delapena Setiawan
Asro
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