Cremaschi: Olympics for USA would be a 'dream'

Inter Miami CF midfielder and dual national Benjamin Cremaschi aims to represent the United States men’s national team over Argentina with hopes for the Olympics as his major tournament debut.

“I’ve had conversations with head coach Marko Mitrović and obviously I am part of the preliminary list [for the Olympics], but he will make final selections in these couple of days,” Cremaschi said.

“We’ve always had great talks, but now I’m just waiting to get the news.”

Cremaschi previously represented the U.S. team in September of 2023, making his official debut when coming off the bench in the 71st minute of a friendly match against Oman.

But the midfielder also formed part of the Argentina under-20 side, allowing him the opportunity to choose between both countries. It wasn’t until he spoke with Argentina Olympics team coach Javier Mascherano that he opted to stick with the U.S.

“The conversation with Mascherano was short, but nice. It was more my representative that spoke with him, but it was healthy and we were on the same page to decide what was best for me. And I went with the USMNT.”

Now, the focus is on the Olympics.

“Representing this country would be a dream, especially at the Olympics. It’s one of the biggest sports competitions in the world, so to represent the U.S. in football would be one of a kind. It’s a dream,” he said.

The Olympic board requests a final roster from all participating teams on July 3, but U.S. Soccer will make a formal announcement on July 8 in New York City.

“If I go, the expectation, not only mine but the group’s, would be earning a medal. Better if it’s gold, but the goal is to come back to the US triumphant with a medal.”

The USMNT is set to kick off their first Olympic tournament since 2008 on July 24 when playing France.

The team will then play New Zealand before wrapping up the group stage against Guinea.