SEATTLE — Clint Dempsey says he’s open to whatever role Bruce Arena sees fit for him as he rejoins the U.S. national team for upcoming World Cup qualifying matches.
Dempsey said Friday ahead of the Seattle Sounders’ home opener that he’s still probably not back to the level of fitness needed to play a full 90 minutes in a World Cup qualifying match. But he expects to have conversations with Arena when he joins the national team camp in Northern California next week about how he may best be used.
Dempsey missed the final four months of the 2016 MLS season after being diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat. Dempsey returned to training when the Sounders opened camped in January and has played 90 minutes in each of Seattle’s first two regular-season games.
![Paxten Aaronson #10 of the Colorado Rapids] controls the ball in the second half during a match at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on August 19, 2026 in Commerce City, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)](/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/GettyImages-2291591540.jpg?w=525 "Colorado Rapids v Los Angeles Football Club")
