For elite athletes, the transition from the training pitch to the blinding lights of a World Cup stadium is a seismic shift in reality. Few understand this transition as intimately as Alyssa and Gisele Thompson. As rising stars in the soccer world, the sisters have navigated the intense scrutiny of international competition at a young age, and they are currently watching with keen interest as the U.S. men’s national team navigates the high-stakes environment of the World Cup on home soil.
Speaking exclusively with Muscle & Fitness as part of their collaboration with Verizon for the "Verizon Shine" loyalty program—which offers fans the chance to win exclusive experiences, including tickets to the World Cup finals—the Thompson sisters offered a masterclass in psychological conditioning, tactical preparation, and the art of managing the weight of a nation’s expectations.
The Crucible of International Competition: Main Facts
The 2026 World Cup landscape is defined by the unique pressure of playing for a home crowd. While the home-field advantage provides a palpable surge of energy, it also amplifies the scrutiny placed upon every touch, pass, and defensive rotation.
Alyssa Thompson, 21, a standout forward and winger who represented Team USA at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and honed her craft at Chelsea FC, emphasizes that the key to survival is not the eradication of pressure, but the ability to neutralize it. "I think when you think about pressure, not letting it affect you because you can rely on your practice and what you’ve done before is really important," Alyssa notes. "The men are super prepared for what’s ahead of them. They have the technical foundation; now it’s about execution."
Gisele Thompson, 20, a formidable defender for Angel City FC who made her mark on the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup team in Colombia, agrees. For her, the pressure is a byproduct of patriotism. "I feel like it’s always a lot of pressure playing for your country because you do want to win," Gisele explains. "You’re pressed with honor. You have to block out the noise and control what you can control. That is the fundamental requirement at this level."
A Chronology of Growth: From Youth Stages to the Global Spotlight
The journey for the Thompson sisters has been a rapid ascent, marked by significant milestones in the youth and professional ranks.
- 2022: Alyssa Thompson competes in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica, gaining vital experience in high-tempo, international play.
- 2023: Alyssa makes her senior debut on the world stage, representing the USWNT at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. This experience served as a baptism by fire, teaching her the importance of resilience in the face of tournament disappointment.
- 2024: Gisele Thompson anchors the defense for the U.S. U-20 Women’s World Cup squad in Colombia, proving her mettle by helping lead the team deep into the knockout stages.
- 2026: Both sisters look ahead to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, focusing on professional development with their respective clubs and maintaining elite fitness standards.
This trajectory underscores a vital truth in modern sports: the "World Cup moment" is rarely a singular event. It is the culmination of years of tactical refinement, mental conditioning, and the gradual accumulation of big-game experience.
The Strategic Edge: Supporting Data on Peak Performance
The sisters’ approach to match-day preparation reveals the meticulous nature of modern professional soccer. Contrary to the assumption that high-stakes games require a drastic change in routine, the Thompsons advocate for consistency.
"I don’t think I changed too much leading up to the World Cup," Alyssa reflects. "I was a first-year pro and still learning. The focus was on getting 1% better every day."
Managing the Pre-Game Nervous System
Both athletes employ specific psychological tools to regulate their nervous systems before kickoff:
- Auditory Regulation: Alyssa opts for calm music to prevent the "pre-game burnout" that comes with excessive adrenaline. "If I get too amped up, my body feels like I’ve already played a game before I step on the field," she explains.
- Visualization: Gisele utilizes her pre-game routine to visualize specific scenarios, such as the initial touches of the game. "I picture the game and the things I want to do well," she says. "It helps me settle my nerves and stay in my own space."
- Nutritional Periodization: Both sisters stress the importance of fueling based on kickoff times. For late games, they favor large morning meals followed by smaller, strategic intake. For earlier games, the focus shifts to hydration and snacks, coupled with strategic naps to ensure mental clarity.
Official Perspectives: Reframing the "Home Advantage"
The question of whether playing in front of a home crowd is a burden or a boon is a perennial debate. To the Thompson sisters, the crowd is an extension of the team’s willpower.
"Having the fans there to support you gives you more motivation," Gisele says. "Even when the other team turns over the ball, hearing the crowd cheer louder for you pumps me up. It’s definitely an advantage."
However, they acknowledge that the "pride and passion" of the fans must be channeled correctly. By viewing the crowd as a source of support rather than a source of judgment, players can effectively reframe the pressure. This psychological pivot is what separates the veterans from the debutants.
Implications: Building a Legacy and Looking to 2027
The fallout of the 2023 Women’s World Cup—where the USWNT was eliminated in the Round of 16—offered a harsh but necessary lesson for Alyssa Thompson. Reflecting on the experience, she notes that the ability to "forget the things that don’t serve you" is a mandatory skill for any elite athlete.
"We learn a lot to have a short-term memory," Alyssa states. "We can never get too high or too low. It’s a learning lesson, but it’s not something to harp on."
This philosophy of moving forward is precisely what the Thompsons are preaching to the men’s team as they move into the Round of 32. Their partnership with Verizon has allowed them to engage directly with the fanbase, a process that has highlighted the human element of the sport. Gisele recounts a memorable interaction while distributing "golden tickets" for the World Cup finals: "People weren’t just interested in the tickets. They wanted to know our stories. That connection is why we play."
Looking Ahead
As the sisters continue their professional development at Angel City FC and beyond, their focus remains fixed on the 2027 cycle. They are not merely observers of the current tournament; they are analysts of the craft.
For the men currently battling on the field, the Thompsons offer a simple, profound piece of advice: "Trust your preparation." The physical work is done. The tactical plans are in place. The final variable is the belief that the training—the 1% improvements, the quiet hours in the gym, the mental visualization—is enough to carry them to the trophy.
As the tournament reaches its fever pitch, the Thompson sisters stand as a testament to the modern athlete’s mindset: calculated, calm, and constantly looking toward the next challenge. Whether it is on the field at MetLife Stadium or the training grounds of Los Angeles, the goal remains the same: win the battle in front of you, and never lose sight of the long-term vision.
