Good Sports: Fresno native Max Arfsten's journey to the World Cup with USA

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Central Valley product Max Arsften will represent his country on the biggest stage.

He's one of 26 men selected for the US World Cup roster.

RELATED: Fresno native Max Arfsten makes 2026 USMNT World Cup roster

"It's a big deal, and especially coming where I come from, it's a big deal," he said.

Before sporting the United States crest, Max spent countless days training at Tice Park in Fresno.

His trainer, Milton Blanco, says Max's superstar qualities were detected at a young age.

"There were times that I would try to cancel because of the rain, and he was like, 'No, please.' At a very young age, he was a dog. He really wanted it. I've coached a lot of kids, and I could tell he was special at a young age," Blanco said.

Blanco is a former MLS pro and has been training Max since he was nine.

"There was no big academy in Fresno with like super high-level coaching and structure, but where I benefited a lot was training with Milton every day," Arfsten said. "I really excelled technically."

Throughout Max's career, Milton was by his side, keeping his skills sharp.

"We both cried on the phone when that moment came," Blanco said. "It was just an incredible moment for both of us."

Max's high school coach, Randy Prescott, remembers the same determination from a 15-year-old Arfsten, when he stepped foot on the field at San Joaquin Memorial.

"He puts his head down, he works hard, he takes every challenge and tackles it," Prescott said. "I think it was his junior year, I came up to him and I just said, 'Max, you're going to play for our national team someday.'"

The dream is coming to life. Now, Max is the first Central Valley native to play on the men's World Cup team.

Representing Fresno is a job he doesn't take lightly.

"My main motivation is, obviously, to make my career as good as I can, but another burning desire I have is to inspire the next generation and the youth in my community, which is Fresno," Arfsten said.

Back in December, Max was in Fresno hosting a youth camp. Six months later, these kids get to root for him in the World Cup.

"I feel like I play fearlessly," he said. "I feel like that's what's got me here, so I'm not going to play safe. I'm trying to shock the world - that's what I'm going to do."

For sports updates, follow Sydney Berger on Facebook, X and Instagram.