Some of U.S. Soccer’s most promising young talent upset a stacked France squad in the Round of 16 of the Under-20 World Cup on Poland on Tuesday. Former Chargers fullback Jacob Hester was among the fans watching the contest from the United States.
Hester, 34, played fullback for the Chargers from 2008-2011. After a one-year stint with the Broncos in 2012, Hester retired from the NFL in 2013. He gained 715 yards from scrimmage and scored six touchdowns during his five-year career.
Hester now works as a college football analyst for Cox Sports TV and for SiriusXM SEC Radio.
U.S. Soccer’s U-20 team is loaded with talent from California, highlighted by midfielder Alex Mendez (Los Angeles), winger Ulysses Llanez (Lynwood) and striker Sebastian Soto (San Diego).
If any of those players reach the senior national team, they could have a chance to play in their home state when the United States co-hosts the World Cup in 2026. Los Angeles is a finalist to host matches in that competition.
Following their 3-2 upset victory over France, the U.S. youth national team will face Ecuador’s U-20 team in the quarterfinals Saturday. That game will air on Fox Sports 2 at 8:30 in the morning.
