exclusive Mark Cannizzaro Meet Jesus Perez, the USMNT deputy who has become an ‘unbelievable gift’ to World Cup squad By Mark Cannizzaro Published June 27, 2026, 4:17 p.m. ET USMNT assistant coach Jesus Perez (left) and head coach Mauricio Pochettino during a training session in preparation for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup match at Great Park Sports Complex. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif. — Jesus Perez didn’t want to do this interview.
Not because he’s a bad guy, but because the last thing he does in life is seek out attention.
“I normally refuse interviews,’’ Perez said as he settled into a chair at a table overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Laguna Niguel Ritz Carlton, the U.S. team hotel. “I don’t like to talk about myself. Today, they asked me and I said, ‘OK.’ ’’
