US football is currently in a significant phase, marked by a series of major events: last year’s Copa America, this year’s FIFA Club World Cup, and the upcoming World Cup in 2026.
As American sports continue to expand, Landon Donovan shared with the Post on Thursday that he feels an increasing excitement and interest building around the sport.
Donovan was in New York to promote the Club World Cup, which will be held at 12 venues across the US starting June 14 in Miami.
“I can feel it in little anecdotes, and just in the sheer attention the sport is getting,” Donovan remarked.
The upcoming Club World Cup will feature top teams globally, including Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders from the MLS.
A key question remains how well the US men’s national team can perform in the World Cup next year. Historically, they have progressed beyond the round of 16 only once, back in 2002, when they reached the quarterfinals. This success dates back to their qualification in 1990 after missing the mark for nearly a decade.
Donovan mentioned, “We’ve been growing the sport naturally, but the iconic moments expected next summer will be significantly heightened,” reflecting on US soccer’s current momentum.
A three-time World Cup player, Donovan was named the best male soccer player of all time by the Guardian in 2015. He emphasized that the main goal for the US in 2026 should be to play with “pride.”
As all eyes turn to 2026, Donovan is particularly eager for Americans to experience the Club World Cup this summer, with MetLife Stadium set to host several matches, including the championship.
He believes that, similar to March Madness, fans will likely develop a connection to teams they previously knew little about.
“I’ve learned about what makes a fan, and really, there’s no set reason for someone to become one,” Donovan explained. “It could be a memorable moment or just the charm of a particular player that pulls you in.”
Some of the most notable teams participating in the Club World Cup include Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal.
