As the U.S. Men’s National Team prepares to take the world stage, soccer legend Landon Donovan is keeping expectations grounded while still believing Team USA is capable of making serious noise. The former U.S. soccer star and current broadcaster opened up about the team’s World Cup potential while speaking to reporters, including The Blast, during a celebrity shift at Raising Cane’s new Inglewood Flagship Restaurant on Tuesday, June 9.
When asked what fans should realistically expect from the U.S. this summer, Donovan admitted there is plenty of potential, but cautioned that making a deep run in the tournament is no easy feat. “They are capable of beating any team,” Donovan said. “That is happening. Soccer’s a unique sport, and one goal can be the difference between how things go.”
However, Donovan stopped short of predicting a Cinderella story for the Americans. “What’s realistic is probably winning one or two knockout [games],” he explained. “The challenge is, can you do it twice in a row, three times in a row, four times in a row, five times in a row against world-class teams? That’s the part that’s hard.”
The soccer icon pointed out just how difficult sustained success on the international stage truly is, noting that only a select few nations have ever managed to win the tournament. Still, Donovan believes this version of the U.S. squad has the ability to surprise people.
Donovan Says Christian Pulisic Has Opportunity To Make History
Donovan also weighed in on the growing conversation surrounding U.S. soccer star Christian Pulisic and whether he could someday surpass him as the greatest American player of all time.
When asked about recent comments from soccer analyst Alexi Lalas, who suggested Pulisic could eventually claim that title, Donovan acknowledged the possibility, especially if the team delivers a memorable run. “He absolutely has that opportunity and he’s capable,” Donovan said.
According to Donovan, a standout tournament on home soil could elevate Pulisic’s legacy to another level. “If this team gets to quarterfinals or semifinals, has this miraculous run, and he scores four goals or five goals or six goals and becomes one of the stars in the tournament, that is miles better than anything any of us [did],” Donovan said.
Landon Donovan Says This World Cup Feels Bigger Than Ever
For Donovan, this year’s tournament carries a deeper significance, especially with matches taking place in the United States. Reflecting on his own first World Cup experience in 1994, Donovan recalled attending a match as a kid and realizing the sport was much bigger than he ever imagined. “In ’94, I went to my first World Cup game,” he said. “The first time in my life, my eyes were opened to this bigger world that I didn’t know existed.”
Now, Donovan believes millions of young fans could experience that same spark. “There will be millions of girls and boys who watch this summer and go, ‘Oh my God, I want to be like them,’” he said.
While Donovan admitted he’s feeling nervous ahead of the tournament, he said excitement outweighs everything else. “I am nervous,” he admitted. “I’m also really optimistic and excited.”
Donovan Says World Cup Finally Feels Real
Although Donovan has experienced the pressure of the World Cup as a player, he admitted this year’s tournament feels different now that he’s preparing to cover the action from the broadcast booth.
The former soccer star, who is set to head to Mexico City to call the opening match, said the magnitude of the moment only recently began to sink in. “Honestly, this week did,” Donovan said when asked when the tournament finally started to feel real. “Probably yesterday … we were doing my podcast and we’re like, ‘Oh my God, it’s three days.’”
Landon Donovan Admits He Still Feels Deeply Connected To Team USA
Donovan said seeing Los Angeles transformed by World Cup energy also made the moment hit harder. “Driving up here and seeing Hollywood Park and SoFi … when I flew over, I was like, ‘Oh my God, it’s here,’” he said. “I’m seeing World Cup stuff everywhere.”
Despite no longer being on the pitch, Donovan admitted he still feels deeply connected to Team USA and remains emotionally invested in the sport’s continued growth. “I care deeply, deeply, deeply about this,” Donovan said. “This opportunity is bigger than anything that’s ever been presented to us.”
