Landon Donovan believes the 2026 World Cup will have a massive impact on youth soccer in the United States, inspiring millions of children to take up the sport. In an exclusive interview with TMZ Sports, the U.S. soccer legend pointed to his own experience as proof.
"The 1994 World Cup got me into soccer," Donovan said. "I was a kid watching those games, and it changed my life. Hosting matches in the U.S. will do the same for a whole new generation."
Donovan, who played in three World Cups and is one of the most decorated American players, emphasized that the visibility of the tournament will spark interest across the country. "When kids see the best players in the world competing in their own backyard, they'll want to be out on the field emulating their heroes," he explained.
The 2026 World Cup will be held across North America, with matches in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Donovan noted that the tournament could transform the soccer landscape in the U.S. within a decade. "Don't be surprised if U.S. Soccer is a force to be reckoned with in 10 years," he added.