Landon Donovan believes the USA can win the World Cup. They just need a lot of good breaks

Landon Donovan Believes the USA Can Win the World Cup. They Just Need a Lot of Good Breaks

Landon Donovan believes the USA can win – Landon Donovan, a towering figure in American soccer, has shared his confidence in the United States men’s team’s ability to clinch the World Cup title. His optimism comes amid a critical phase of the 2026 tournament, where the Americans face their first challenge in the Round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina. While the road to glory is fraught with obstacles, Donovan remains convinced that the team is capable of making a historic run, provided they capitalize on key moments and favorable conditions.

A Legacy of Hope and Challenge

Donovan’s journey through the World Cup stage is a testament to both triumph and resilience. In 2002, he was instrumental in leading the U.S. team to their deepest-ever run in the tournament, reaching the quarterfinals in Asia. That campaign, marked by spirited performances and a passionate fanbase, set the tone for future aspirations. Yet, the path has not been without setbacks. The U.S. team’s last success in the World Cup group stage dates back to 1930, and since 2002, they have struggled to break past the round of 16.

“Can they? Yes,” Donovan said when asked by CNN Sports ahead of the 2026 tournament. “We have a good enough team to make a deep run in the tournament, for sure. The difficult part is if you get out of your group, now you’re playing a pretty good team. If you win that game, in the round of 32, you’re playing a good team. You win that game and you’re in the quarters. You’re playing one of the big eight teams in the world.”

Donovan emphasized that while the team’s talent is evident, their ability to maintain momentum through successive matches will determine their fate. “So, can they beat all of those teams? Yes, they absolutely can. Can they do it one after another after another after another, emotionally get up for it? I think they can,” he added. This sentiment underscores the mental and physical fortitude required to sustain success in a high-stakes global competition.

The Role of Key Players and Momentum

The U.S. squad has shown promising signs of revival, having won their opening two matches for the first time since the early 1930s. This momentum was bolstered by their early dominance in Group D, where they secured the top spot before a last-minute loss to Turkey. Despite this setback, the team has already surpassed their previous World Cup achievements, marking a significant step forward in their quest for glory.

“We haven’t seen that, but is it possible? Absolutely, it’s possible,” Donovan noted. “The team has the potential to advance deep into the competition, for sure. The difficult part is if you get out of your group, now you’re playing a pretty good team. If you win that game, in the round of 32, you’re playing a good team. You win that game and you’re in the quarters. You’re playing one of the big eight teams in the world.”

Central to this resurgence is Christian Pulisic, the AC Milan superstar who has recovered from a recent calf injury. Donovan highlighted Pulisic’s unique ability to make game-changing plays, a trait that is rare in modern soccer. “He’s the one guy who can make a play basically out of nowhere,” Donovan explained. “Players like that in world soccer are not a dime a dozen, right? They’re hard to find, so he can do that. But also, if he’s playing well, people have to pay attention to him, which makes other players free to play well or to have opportunities to score and create chances.”

The Power of the Home Crowd

Donovan also credited the home crowd’s influence as a crucial factor in the team’s success. Reflecting on the 2002 tournament, where the U.S. faced South Korea in the group stage, he noted how the support of fans can elevate a team’s performance. “We saw in 2002 with South Korea, we played Korea, the home country. They ended up getting to the semifinals. They weren’t expected to get to the semis, so if our crowd is behind us, I think everything’s possible,” he said.

His insights draw from personal experience, as the 44-year-old has witnessed the highs and lows of international soccer firsthand. After the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where the U.S. failed to advance beyond the group stage, Donovan faced intense criticism and battled mental health struggles. These challenges were detailed in his memoir, “Landon: A Memoir,” released earlier this year. “I had a really poor 2006 World Cup and got criticized really harshly for the first time, it tore me up,” he recalled. “I mean it destroyed me and I had a two-week period where I couldn’t get off the couch, couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep. I was miserable and I had to make a decision at that time.”

Donovan’s decision to persevere paid off in 2010, when the U.S. team, led by his experience and the emergence of younger stars, reached the last 16. His iconic stoppage-time goal against Algeria remains a defining moment in American soccer history, a dramatic finish that symbolized the team’s resilience. “It was so dramatic. We had two minutes left after that to see out the game to advance to the next round, so essentially that goal put us through to the next round. We had to win. People were watching it, going through this emotional rollercoaster, and then finally, it was like a Hollywood movie, finally the goal happens in the end and there’s celebration and it was awesome,” he described.

Looking Ahead: A New Generation, A Fresh Opportunity

Donovan’s current team is a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, with Pulisic serving as a linchpin. While the 2026 tournament presents new challenges, Donovan believes the combination of skill, determination, and collective support can propel the U.S. to uncharted success. “If the USA is to go deep in this year’s tournament, the home crowd will have a massively important role to play,” he asserted. “We’ve seen how fan support can turn the tide, and this year, with the energy of a passionate crowd, the possibilities are endless.”

As the World Cup progresses, the U.S. team faces a daunting test in their first match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Donovan acknowledged the challenge but remained hopeful, noting the team’s readiness and focus. “They’re going to come out swinging, but we’ve got the tools and the mindset to handle it,” he said. His perspective is rooted in both nostalgia for past successes and belief in the team’s potential to build on those foundations.

Donovan’s journey mirrors the aspirations of the current squad, as they aim to replicate the magic of 2002 while overcoming the hurdles of recent years. His experience has taught him that setbacks are part of the process, but with the right mindset and support, they can be transformed into opportunities for growth. As the tournament unfolds, his words serve as a reminder that while the path is uncertain, the possibility of triumph remains within reach.