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Brenden Aaronson momentarily departed the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) World Cup training camp to get married, giving his teammates a chance to reflect on family, growth, and the strong bonds that define this squad.

ATLANTA – On the third day of the USMNT’s World Cup preparations, Brenden Aaronson’s absence was noticeable. However, it wasn’t due to injury or any disciplinary matter. His time away had been pre-approved – and for a heartwarming reason.

He was getting married.

Amid the intensity of World Cup build-up, Aaronson briefly left camp to tie the knot. There was no extended honeymoon or celebration planned; after all, it was a World Cup wedding – something truly unique. He jetted off on Thursday, was married on Friday, and is expected back in Atlanta by Saturday’s training session. To call it a whirlwind would be an understatement.

While Aaronson celebrated with his family, his 25 teammates in Atlanta had their own ways of honouring the moment, even if they couldn’t be there physically. For many who have been through major tournaments before, the message was to cherish small joys amid the pressure. Aaronson’s wedding was no small milestone, but rather a joyful occasion that prompted reflection across the group.

This week marked a major turning point in Aaronson’s life – personally and professionally. It was also a reminder to his 25 teammates that their own lives are evolving in unique ways.

A Wedding Like No Other

There wasn’t a huge send-off when Aaronson left Thursday’s session, but there was one universal message from the group, as revealed by USMNT goalkeeper Chris Brady.

“Good luck,” Brady said with a grin, “And don’t f*ck it up.”

As Aaronson prepared for his big day, his teammates at camp were just as excited. They even hoped to witness the ceremony together – depending, of course, on whether it was a no-phone event. Cristian Roldan explained that they were awaiting clarity: “We don’t know if it’s a no-phone wedding,” he said. “We’re trying to confirm. Gio [Reyna]’s wife, Chloe, will be FaceTiming us, and if phones are allowed, we’ll watch it live. One of the guys will set it up on a laptop during dinner so we can all share the moment.”

If that plan didn’t work, goalkeeper Matt Turner joked he might have his own way of watching: “I could get some eyes on that wedding,” Turner said. “I know exactly where the venue is – my parents have a house nearby, so maybe they can row up and tell me what’s happening.”

He added, “These are the big life moments you savour whenever you can. It’s great he can go and do that. We’re just jealous we can’t all be there.”

This isn’t the first time a USMNT player has stepped away for a major life event. Christian Pulisic, for instance, left camp in 2016 ahead of the Copa America to attend his senior prom. And two years ago, Aaronson’s longtime friend and teammate Mark McKenzie found himself in a similar situation.

Walking in the Same Shoes

Mark McKenzie experienced something similar when he got married during the summer of 2024 amid Copa America preparations. Like Aaronson, he made a quick trip out of camp to make it all happen. “It was more stressful for my wife than me,” McKenzie admitted. “You just hope there aren’t flight delays or last-minute issues. Getting married in the middle of a tournament isn’t easy, but you find a way.”

McKenzie and Aaronson go way back – both products of the Philadelphia Union academy. They rose through the ranks together, competed in MLS, and later moved to Europe. Now, they’re back together again as two of four Philadelphia Union alumni in this summer’s USMNT squad. For McKenzie, Aaronson’s wedding was a shared moment in a lifelong journey. “I’m really happy for him,” McKenzie said. “I’ve known B since we were 10 or 11. Seeing him get married now – he still can’t grow facial hair!”

Facial hair or not, Aaronson has matured significantly over the past few years – as have many members of this USMNT group, who have grown up both on and off the pitch together.

Growing Up Together

Thirteen players from the previous World Cup squad have returned this summer, meaning half of that roster remains intact. Aaronson, now 25, was 22 at the last tournament. Gio Reyna, who was 19 then, is now 23 – no longer the young newcomer experiencing it all for the first time.

“A lot has changed,” Reyna said with a laugh. “I’m married now, have a dog, and I’ve matured in so many ways.”

He’s not alone. Several teammates have become fathers and husbands, while others have moved clubs or taken new career steps. Yet every few months, they reunite, and the national team remains a constant in their ever-evolving lives.

Matt Turner reflected on how being part of the national team over the past seven years shaped his perspective off the field. Watching teammates balance football with family inspired him to become a husband and father. “It’s really nice to see how everyone grows off the field as well as on it,” Turner said. “They find new motivations every time they step out there.”

As players’ families grow, so too does the atmosphere in camp. Turner now travels with his wife and two young children, and Roldan says it’s heartwarming to see players’ families interacting. “It changes the team dynamic, but makes us closer,” Roldan said. “Watching Christian [Pulisic] play with my daughter or seeing Matt Turner’s kids around – it’s beautiful. It’s making our family grow even more.”

He added, “Seeing how much we’ve grown as a team over the past four years is incredible. Hopefully, we achieve something special together – that would make it even more meaningful.”

Looking Ahead

The journey toward that shared goal continues in the coming weeks as the World Cup kicks off. For those who played in 2022, the lesson was to appreciate every moment – often, the best memories come from time spent together, not just the matches. “The Players’ Lounge moments in Qatar were some of our favourites,” several players recalled.

That’s why even amid intense World Cup preparations, there’s still room for a wedding. Aaronson might be the one celebrating, but the entire squad has found unity and joy in it. “We’re a family,” Roldan said. “Everyone deserves their special moment. Brenden planned this responsibly, and the coaching staff fully supported him. If they’re on board, so are we.”

By Saturday, Aaronson will be back in camp as the team heads to Charlotte for their friendly against Senegal. There won’t be much time for reflection – this is the World Cup, after all.

“It’s a special moment,” McKenzie said. “Everyone understands and is thrilled for him. When he’s back, we’ll probably tease him a bit, but we’ll welcome him with open arms.”