USMNT legend Landon Donovan stresses the importance of the upcoming year leading up to the 2026 World Cup, highlighting it as a vital period for the team to improve and adjust before hosting the tournament begins in June.
With the Gold Cup approaching, the USMNT is preparing for its last major competition before the World Cup. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino is working with a younger roster, partly due to key players like Antonee Robinson being injured and others such as Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic resting or involved in Club World Cup duties. Donovan sees the Gold Cup, along with recent friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland, as a valuable stage for less experienced players to demonstrate their potential for a World Cup spot.
Speaking to CBS Sports, Donovan pointed out that several players on the fringes of the squad have a significant chance to break through because some established members are currently struggling. He named Diego Luna, Brian White, and Patrick Agyemang as examples, cautioning established players that their place isn`t guaranteed and can be lost quickly if others perform well.
This chance for new players arises after a turbulent period for the team, which included the dismissal of former coach Gregg Berhalter following a Copa America group stage exit and a disappointing fourth-place finish in the Concacaf Nations League finals under new coach Pochettino. A common criticism after recent defeats has been the team`s perceived lack of competitive drive, an issue Donovan feels predates Pochettino and which he previously highlighted with a tweet stating, “talent is great, pride is better.”
Donovan stressed the importance of player effort, stating that regardless of who is coaching, a lack of effort means the team has “no chance” and risks embarrassment, especially when hosting. He believes players have an “obligation” to perform, echoing former USMNT coach Bruce Arena`s sentiment that a coach should not need to focus on effort, as it should be inherent. Donovan suspects Pochettino currently feels the need to address effort levels, which he sees as a negative sign, indicating players must step up and take responsibility.
According to Donovan, this player “obligation” involves honoring past generations who made significant sacrifices to build the program. He feels his generation and those before them paved the way for current players to achieve success and financial rewards. He emphasized that wearing the national team jersey comes with a serious responsibility, adding that if a player isn`t willing to embrace that, they shouldn`t put the jersey on. He urged those who do wear it to fully commit.
Despite his criticisms, Donovan maintains belief in the group`s potential. He specifically praised Christian Pulisic, saying he`s playing “as well as he`s ever played” after a standout season at AC Milan with 17 goals and 10 assists. Donovan highlighted the value of every upcoming opportunity, including the Club World Cup, where McKennie and Timothy Weah will feature for Juventus, and Gio Reyna for Borussia Dortmund, calling them chances to impress.
Donovan suggested that Gio Reyna likely needs to secure a transfer to a club where he can get consistent playing time in the year before the World Cup, noting his limited starts (5 in 25 appearances) at Dortmund this past season.
His strong advice to players not getting regular minutes is to “go somewhere and play,” regardless of the level or club. He regards consistent playing time and confidence as the most significant factors determining success at the World Cup.
Consistent playing time is especially critical for a home World Cup, where the current generation will face unprecedented pressure, unlike what Donovan experienced. He pointed out the intense scrutiny players are under in America, with every action monitored. The best way to handle this pressure, he argued, is to be playing well consistently, which makes performing on the field feel “easy.” Conversely, a lack of form leads to self-doubt when things go wrong during a home game, increasing the risk of failure.
For Donovan, the final year before the tournament is a critical period for the USMNT to demonstrate they can fulfill the potential many observers have seen in this group since its formation after the failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
He reiterated that the challenge isn`t a lack of ability, as players have shown they can perform successfully in major clubs, moments, and competitions.
Instead, he identified a “leadership question” within the squad. Donovan feels the team needs more players who take personal responsibility for the outcome of matches, describing this feeling as vastly different from being just a “bit-part player” on a good team. He contrasted this with previous eras where key players understood that a poor personal performance meant the team would likely lose, compelling them to play well. He urged the current squad to produce more individuals who actively take charge and are accountable for results, rather than merely participating.
