May 10, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Louisville City FC News Release
Louisville City FC’s Josh Wynder will continue reaching personal milestones and making club history this spring as a member of the United States’ FIFA U-20 World Cup squad.
A defender from Louisville, Wynder is among the 21 players called up by coach Mikey Varas for the World Cup running from May 20-June 11 in Argentina.
This makes Wynder the second Kentuckian to represent the U.S. at a World Cup following Racing Louisville FC Academy graduate Ella Sanchez, who played in the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. He’s also the first active LouCity player to make a World Cup squad.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play in a World Cup,” Wynder said. “It’s exciting to represent the United States – and the city of Louisville – on the global stage. This is another step in my journey, and I’m thankful for everyone who’s helped me along the way.”
“We are extremely proud of Josh and this announcement for him,” added LouCity coach Danny Cruz. “This is a testament to the work that he puts in day in and day out to continue his development and pursuit of being the best center back that he can be. As we continue to watch him develop as a player and as a young man, we are most proud of the person that Josh is and how he carries himself.”
For Wynder, this accomplishment follows a whirlwind year of international soccer. He was called up by the U.S. for the first time last summer at the U-19 level and has in subsequent months attended camps with both the U-20s and the senior national team.
Wynder’s U-20 World Cup squad includes Jonathan Gómez, a close friend and former LouCity teammate. Gómez moved from City to La Liga power Real Sociedad on a transfer in January of 2022.
“When I see two players who have come through Louisville City being named to this roster I firmly believe that the culture that we have at this club has played an important role in their development,” Cruz said. “We believe in our young players and the importance of continuing their development both on and off the field.
“I am looking forward to watching the U-20 World Cup and seeing a young boy from Louisville and JoGo represent this club, this community and our country.”
The Americans will head to Argentina carrying high expectations, with the USA the only nation to reach the quarterfinals of the last three FIFA U-20 World Cups.
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