US Soccer Legend: Team Can Beat Anyone at 2026 World Cup

America's most decorated soccer player believes the US men's team is ready to shock the world in 2026.

Landon Donovan, who scored 57 goals across 157 national team appearances, told Fox News Digital that the upcoming World Cup could mark a turning point for American soccer. The US will host the tournament alongside Mexico and Canada, giving the team a rare home-field advantage on soccer's biggest stage.

"This team has the capability to beat any team in the world. I really mean that," Donovan said. He expects the Americans to not just advance from their group but win it outright when they face Paraguay, Australia, and a European opponent starting June 12.

The timing couldn't be better. Team USA has key friendlies scheduled against powerhouses Belgium, Portugal, Senegal, and Germany before the tournament begins. These matches will show whether the squad can compete with elite competition.

Donovan pointed to one player who could steal the show. Weston McKennie, currently dominating for Italian giant Juventus, has been his club's best player for 15 straight games. If he carries that form into the World Cup, McKennie could become a household name.

The roster will feature familiar faces like Christian Pulisic, Tim Ream, and Matt Turner. But it's the team's collective growth that has Donovan optimistic about their chances of reaching the quarterfinals or beyond.

Why This Inspires

Playing for your country means everything, Donovan explained. He grew up too poor to afford cable TV but watched Olympic athletes represent America with pride. That same feeling drove his legendary career.

"There's nothing, outside of military duty, that compares to that," he said. "The pride as a player, when you have a crest and you see the flag come out and you hear the national anthem and you realize what you are playing for, is incomparable."

Home-field advantage could turn good into great. When a host nation builds momentum, Donovan noted, the entire country rallies behind them. Win the group, and suddenly 330 million Americans are watching. Win the next game, and anything becomes possible.

American soccer has spent decades building toward this moment, and the pieces are finally falling into place.