As the 2026 World Cup on North American soil draws ever closer, the significance of representing the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) is amplified. Soccer legends Landon Donovan and Alexi Lalas have recently weighed in on what it means to wear the USMNT jersey during this momentous occasion, emphasizing the unique responsibility and opportunity that lies ahead for the players.
Both Donovan and Lalas, who have represented the USMNT in past World Cups, understand the weight of expectations that come with playing on home soil. The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, presents an unparalleled chance to elevate the sport's profile in the U.S. and inspire a new generation of soccer enthusiasts.
Donovan has expressed his belief that soccer is "secure" in the United States, regardless of the USMNT's performance in 2026. He points to the presence of global superstars like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Cristiano Ronaldo, alongside American talents like Christian Pulisic, as a driving force for young athletes to pursue the sport. Reflecting on his experiences from the 2002 World Cup, where the USMNT reached the quarterfinals, Donovan acknowledges how that success significantly impacted his life and the trajectory of soccer in the country.
Lalas, while agreeing with Donovan on the potential for a special moment to captivate the nation, is not letting the current squad "off the hook." He recognizes the immense pressure on the team to perform well in front of a home crowd. Lalas emphasizes that the players must understand the importance of representing their country and embrace the challenge of competing against the world's best.
The former USMNT player also highlighted that new coach Mauricio Pochettino is trying to change the culture of the team. Following the team's 5-0 win against Trinidad and Tobago in the 2025 Gold Cup opener, Donovan noted that Pochettino is starting to have a real impact on the squad. Lalas added that the message Pochettino is sending affects the entire national team pool, not just the players participating at the Gold Cup, while noting that it's about "winning back hearts and minds" and that it's a process that won't happen overnight.
The USMNT's recent performances have been scrutinized, with a disappointing showing at the Copa América and struggles in the Concacaf Nations League. A recent 4-0 defeat to Switzerland exposed a lack of depth in the player pool and raised concerns about the team's ability to compete at the highest level. However, there is still time for the team to turn things around before the World Cup.
Pochettino, who was hired in September 2024, has four international windows to build chemistry and finalize his starting lineup. Addressing key areas such as goalkeeping and the center-back pairing will be crucial for the team's success. Pochettino himself has set an ambitious goal for the team, stating that he believes they can win the World Cup in 2026.
As the USMNT prepares for the 2026 World Cup, the words of Donovan and Lalas serve as a reminder of the honor and responsibility that comes with representing the nation on the world stage. The players must embrace the challenge, work together, and strive to make a lasting impact on the sport in the United States. With the support of the home crowd and the guidance of Pochettino, the USMNT has the potential to create a memorable World Cup moment that inspires a new generation of American soccer stars.
