United States midfielder Weston McKennie has made a concerted effort to cut down on his weight, which he admits has been an issue for him in the past.
The Juventus star has only three games left in the Serie A season before he will likely be named to the USMNT roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil.
To be in top shape for some of the biggest matches of his life, McKennie has been working to make lifestyle changes to ensure that he’s in peak condition.
‘My weight, for me, it’s always been my kryptonite,’ McKennie said in the recently released first episode of the ‘Destination World Cup 2026’ docuseries from streaming platform Tubi.
In the episode, McKennie hosts a family barbecue in his offseason – which coincides with the start of a three-day fast he undertook to cut down on his weight.
McKennie admitted ‘it was hard’ watching his loved ones enjoying themselves and enjoying ‘chicken wings and burgers and hot dogs and nachos’ while he couldn’t indulge in anything.
American midfield star Weston McKennie opened up about his struggles with his weight
The Juventus midfielder has admitted to enjoying junk food in the past, leading to his issue
He said that pressure from coaches, like former Juventus boss Igor Tudor, helped him
The midfielder added, ‘Every single coach that I’ve had has always arrived and [said], ‘West, you need to lose weight.’ It’s not a secret.’
McKennie’s weight issues have been a longstanding struggle in his career, with training staff and coaches looking to push him to a better physique.
Last October, McKennie told TNT that his fitness had hit a turning point thanks to a push from former Juventus and Tottenham boss Igor Tudor.
‘My genetics are kicking in finally,’ he told the broadcaster. ‘I had a long preseason. My coach back at Juventus, Tudor, really put pressure on me and said, “Hey, you’re getting older, and your body’s not gonna be able to bounce back from games the way that you used to be able to, and you need to cut down some weight, and that’s the only way you’re gonna be involved with this team.”
‘So I put my head down and worked like I usually do. Got on a diet. Don’t snack as much anymore. If I do, it’s healthy snacks, and I work out more often. So that’s what I’ve been doing, a lot of running.’
McKennie has maintained those dietary guardrails throughout the season, as revealed in an interview with Forbes.
‘Throughout my career, nutrition’s been important for me, and in sports it’s such a huge factor. It’s so important for me, being an athlete,’ McKennie said.
He added, ‘It wasn’t until recent years that I realized that my body won’t just be able to pick up and go eating whatever I want.
McKennie has reaped the rewards in the form of the best season of his professional career
That form carred over to his play with the United States when he scored against Belgium
McKennie has three games remaining with Juventus before the World Cup begins
‘I’m a big snacker, as I am sure a lot of young people are. But I was trying to find more healthy snacks, rather than just eating candy and chocolate bars.’
‘It’s been a big benefit, and maybe why I’ve been able to change and thrive throughout this season so far,’ McKennie says. ‘I’ve paid a lot more attention to my nutrition.’
The midfielder has seen the benefits from that change as he is currently in the form of his life.
He’s managed a career-best nine goals and eight assists across 45 matches for Juventus – including four goals in the UEFA Champions League.
With the United States, he scored one of the team’s two goals in a devastating 5-2 loss to Belgium in Atlanta back in March.
After his club season concludes on May 24, McKennie will make his way back to the USA for friendlies against Senegal and Germany before beginning its World Cup journey against Paraguay in Los Angeles.
