Soccer in the United States is experiencing a unique and thrilling juncture. The U.S. is amid an exhilarating three-year period, having hosted Copa America last year and preparing for the FIFA Club World Cup this year, with the grand finale of the 2026 World Cup set to unfold at MetLife Stadium. This sequence of high-profile events has ignited a fervor among fans, shattering previous records of interest and engagement within the sport.
American soccer legend Landon Donovan recently expressed his enthusiasm for this remarkable moment in the sport’s history during a media brunch in New York. As an iconic figure—celebrated for his contributions to the U.S. Men’s National Team—Donovan senses that the excitement surrounding soccer is palpable. “I can feel it anecdotally, and then I can feel it just in the attention around [the sport],” he shared, underscoring a growing momentum that is hard to ignore.
The expanded Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 14 in Miami, promises to showcase top teams from around the globe, including two from Major League Soccer: Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders. This tournament represents a significant opportunity for American audiences to witness world-class soccer, building on the momentum established by last year’s Copa America.
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, the stakes are higher than ever for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT). Historically, they have struggled to make a mark in the tournament, having advanced past the Round of 16 only once—achieving quarterfinal status in the 2002 World Cup. Donovan emphasizes that a successful run in 2026 could elevate the sport’s profile exponentially. “We could spend 10 years growing the sport organically… but one iconic moment next summer takes it exponentially higher,” he noted, reflecting on the power of a single memorable match to captivate a nation.
For Donovan, the essence of success in the coming years revolves around one crucial element: pride. He expressed a deep connection to the emotional experience of representing the country on such a grand stage. “That’s why it bothers me, because the opportunity, literally, the sky’s the limit,” Donovan stated passionately, highlighting how imperative it is for players to take pride in their performances, not just for themselves, but for the sake of the game’s growth in America.
Aside from the excitement surrounding the World Cup, Donovan is equally enthusiastic about the upcoming Club World Cup this summer. With MetLife Stadium set to host several matches, including the championship game, he believes this tournament will serve as a bridge for American fans to discover international teams they may not be familiar with. “I’ve just learned with fandom, like there’s no one reason someone becomes a fan,” he explained, capturing the unpredictable nature of sports loyalty. He suggests that sometimes, a single moment or an unexpected connection can ignite a lifelong love for a team or a player.
Notable teams participating in the Club World Cup include footballing giants such as Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, along with the Saudi powerhouse Al Hilal. The inclusion of these elite teams is not just a spectacle but also an educational experience for American fans, who will have the chance to witness top-tier talent and styles of play that may differ from what they usually see in domestic leagues.
