Because 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 creating serious noise. The previous U.S. soccer star and current broadcaster opened up in regards to the team’s World Cup potential while talking to reporters, including The Blast, during a celeb shift at Raising Cane’s latest Inglewood Flagship Restaurant on Tuesday, June 9.
When asked what fans should realistically expect from the U.S. this summer, Donovan admitted there may be loads of potential, but cautioned that making a deep run within the tournament is not any easy feat. “They’re able to beating any team,” Donovan said. “That is going on. Soccer’s a singular sport, and one goal could be the difference between how things go.”
Nevertheless, Donovan stopped in need of predicting a Cinderella story for the Americans. “What’s realistic might be winning one or two knockout [games],” he explained. “The challenge is, are you able to do it twice in a row, thrice in a row, 4 times in a row, five times in a row against world-class teams? That’s the part that’s hard.”
The soccer icon identified 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 power 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 best 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 likelihood, especially if the team delivers a memorable run. “He absolutely has that chance and he’s capable,” Donovan said.
In accordance with Donovan, a standout tournament on home soil could elevate Pulisic’s legacy to a different level. “If this team gets to quarterfinals or semifinals, has this miraculous run, and he scores 4 goals or five goals or six goals and becomes considered one of the celebrities within the tournament, that’s miles higher than anything any of us [did],” Donovan said.
Landon Donovan Says This World Cup Feels Larger Than Ever
For Donovan, this yr’s tournament carries a deeper significance, especially with matches happening in america. Reflecting on his own first World Cup experience in 1994, Donovan recalled attending a match as a child and realizing the game was much greater than he ever imagined. “In ’94, I went to my first World Cup game,” he said. “The primary time in my life, my eyes were opened to this greater world that I didn’t know existed.”
Now, Donovan believes thousands and thousands of young fans could experience that very same spark. “There will probably be thousands and thousands of women and boys who watch this summer and go, ‘Oh my God, I would like to be like them,’” he said.
While Donovan admitted he’s feeling nervous ahead of the tournament, he said excitement outweighs every thing else. “I’m 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 yr’s tournament feels different now that he’s preparing to cover the motion from the published booth.
The previous soccer star, who is ready to go to Mexico City to call the opening match, said the magnitude of the moment only recently began to sink in. “Truthfully, this week did,” Donovan said when asked when the tournament finally began 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 … once I flew over, I used to be like, ‘Oh my God, it’s here,’” he said. “I’m seeing World Cup stuff in every single place.”
Despite not being on the pitch, Donovan admitted he still feels deeply connected to Team USA and stays emotionally invested in the game’s continued growth. “I care deeply, deeply, deeply about this,” Donovan said. “This chance is greater than anything that’s ever been presented to us.”