Which Chicago Bears Players Would Make the Best Soccer Team To Win the World Cup?

Bears QB Caleb Williams and US Men's National Team Midfielder and Captain Tyler Adams (Credit: Chicago Bears/AFC Bournemouth)

With the FIFA World Cup captivating the sports world, one question naturally comes to mind for Bears fans: if the Chicago Bears had to send an 11-man squad onto the pitch, who would give them the best chance to compete?

Success in soccer isn't just about speed or strength. Every position requires a different skill set, from awareness and positioning to endurance and teamwork.

Looking at the current Bears roster through that lens creates a surprisingly balanced starting XI.

Typical Goalkeeper

Every great soccer team starts with a reliable goalkeeper, and Austin Booker checks plenty of boxes.

Standing at 6-foot-6 with long arms and impressive athleticism, Booker would have the size needed to command the penalty area.

His quick reactions off the edge as a pass rusher could easily translate into diving saves, while his wingspan would make finishing past him a difficult task.

Defense Wins Championships

The back four consists of Kyler Gordon at left back, Coby Bryant and Dillon Thieneman in central defense, and Jaylon Johnson at right back.

It may seem unusual to build an entire defensive unit around defensive backs, but soccer defenders rely on many of the same traits NFL defensive backs use every Sunday.

They must read plays before they develop, communicate constantly, stay aware of runners behind them, and recover quickly when beaten.

Kyler Gordon's physical style makes him a natural fullback capable of shutting down opposing wingers while still contributing in attack.

Jaylon Johnson has built a reputation as one of the NFL's premier shutdown corners. His ability to mirror receivers, anticipate routes, and win one-on-one battles would make him an elite right back.

The center-back pairing of Coby Bryant and Dillon Thieneman offers an ideal combination of speed, size, and range. Both players cover ground exceptionally well and possess the instincts needed to organize the back line.

The Engine Room

Every successful soccer team is built through its midfield, and the Bears have three players who perfectly fit those demanding roles.

D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai occupy the two central midfield spots.

Running backs spend every game navigating tight spaces, absorbing contact, and maintaining balance while changing direction. Those same qualities are essential for box-to-box midfielders who must cover nearly every inch of the field.

Caleb Williams serves as the team's central playmaker, whether in a deeper defensive midfield role or a more advanced attacking position.

Quarterbacks process information faster than almost any athlete in sports. Williams constantly reads defenses, adjusts plays, and delivers precise passes under pressure.

That vision makes him the ideal player to dictate possession and become the heartbeat of the entire team.

Pace Meets Power Up Front

The attack features one of the fastest duos on the Bears roster alongside a physically imposing striker.

Zavion Thomas takes the left wing while Luther Burden III lines up on the right.

Their explosiveness would immediately threaten opposing defenses, stretching the field with blistering pace and creating opportunities on the counterattack.

At striker, Colston Loveland earns the nod over Rome Odunze for one simple reason: balance.

While Odunze's athleticism makes him an intriguing option, Loveland's size and strength give this lineup something different. As a target man, he could hold up play, win aerial battles, and bring the speedy wingers into the attack. Every cross into the box suddenly becomes a dangerous scoring opportunity.

A Surprisingly Complete XI

This lineup isn't simply built around the Bears' biggest stars. Instead, every selection reflects the responsibilities of each soccer position.

The defensive backs provide awareness and positioning. The running backs supply endless energy in midfield. Caleb Williams becomes the creative catalyst, while the speed of Thomas and Burden complements Loveland's physical

presence perfectly.

Would this team actually win the FIFA World Cup? Probably not against players who have spent their entire lives mastering the sport.

But among NFL rosters, this Bears XI would have a legitimate chance to make some noise, and it might be one of the most entertaining crossover teams imaginable.

Full XI

GK: Austin Booker

CB: Coby Bryant

CB: Dillon Thieneman

LB: Kyler Gordon 

RB: Jaylon Johnson

CM: D’Andre Swift (all round package, powerful)

CM: Kyle Monangai 

CDM/CAM: Caleb Williams 

LW: Zavion Thomas

RW: Luther Burden

ST: Colston Loveland