World Cup: Loons captain Michael Boxall to savor trip with New Zealand

Minnesota United’s CEO Shari Ballard encouraged Michael Boxall to speak his mind more often when the Loons’ center back stepped into a larger leadership role as club captain a few years ago.Typically stoic, Boxall answered the call with a strong statement on teammate Emanuel Reynoso running afoul with the law in Argentina in 2024. Boxall helped show the Loons’ end-of-the-line stance on the delinquent but talented midfielder, who was then sold to Club Tijuana in Mexico’s Liga MX.

But “Boxy” remains a man of fewer words, so reporters and fans have to listen closely for revelations, quips and nuggets of information. That includes the subject of a career pinnacle.Come Monday, the 37-year-old defender will play in his first FIFA World Cup match when his native New Zealand plays Iran in an opening Group G match in Inglewood, Calif.

During the first half of the MLS season, Boxall didn’t know if he would be able to step onto the world’s biggest stage. Some double had crept in on his ability to play for the All Whites this summer after suffering a nagging adductor injury in the Loons’ home opener in late February.“Obviously a couple of months sitting on the sideline, you’re not sure how long it’s going to take to get back,” Boxall said in late May.

“… There was a little bit of that (worry).”With the World Cup on the schedule, the timing seemed cruel.

Boxall has been remarkably healthy over his 10 years with Minnesota, playing in 93 percent of the Loons’ regular season matches from 2022-25. He has missed 45 percent of this season.After sitting out all of March and April, Boxall slowly worked has way back into MNUFC’s back line over five matches in May and played a full 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw with Salt Lake on May 23.

Now fit, Boxall is one of two active Loons players set to play in the World Cup, alongside fellow defender Carlos Harvey, who also had to overcome a leg injury with Minnesota in order to make the Panama national team.James Rodriguez will also play for Colombia t