Landon Donovan says USMNT's 2026 World Cup is responsible for growing soccer
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Landon Donovan is the reason why many people in the United States are football fans.
In the 2010 World Cup, Donovan scored a goal in the last minute against Algeria, making the Stars and Stripes win their group and unite the country.
“That moment, it changed my life forever,” Donovan told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. “I mean, there's not a day that goes by that I look or do something that someone doesn't come up and say something about that. And honestly, the thing that I get the most is, 'I became a football fan that day watching that game,' which gives me chills because that's what we're trying to do.
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Landon Donovan of the United States celebrates after scoring the winning goal against Algeria in their Group C match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, on June 23, 2010. (Jeff Mitchell/FIFA via Getty Images)
“Since I was 16 years old as a young player, we were not only players in this country, we had to be ambassadors because no one paid attention at that time. So we tried to grow the sport all the time. When one minute of 122 minutes I kick the ball into the net to speed up the process, it's amazing and I work hard for 10 years and I play hard. these things for 122 minutes to do more than all that.”
Now, Donovan is one of FanDuel's top soccer bettors during the World Cup, where it offers promotions like the Super Sub, where if a player you bet on for a point is ejected, your bet automatically goes to that player's place and stays alive for the rest of the game.
“It shakes the odds a little bit for you, and it keeps you engaged. Usually when a player gets taken out, we all get out,” Donovan said with a laugh. “So it's going to be an exciting summer with a few ways fans can take advantage of the opportunities to their advantage.”
Landon Donovan celebrates victory at the final whistle during the 2010 World Cup match between the USA and Algeria at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in South Africa. (EMPICS Sport – PA Images via Getty Images)
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“I'm in a place where I want to be around good people and do fun things. FanDuel has always been good to me, treats me well, does things the right way, takes their message of responsible gambling seriously. They really understand that and that's important to me as someone with young children who I'm sure will get into this at some point.”
Now with the 2026 World Cup just days away in the United States, Donovan said this year's USMNT may have an even greater “responsibility” than they did to take advantage of the growing game here.
Of course, for the players, there are bigger things to worry about – but Donovan said it's always on his mind.
“I know how much of a World Cup I did because I had it in 2002, and I know how bad a World Cup I did because I had a bad World Cup in '06. So, in 2010, I knew all that. I knew the opportunities and the opportunity we had,” Donovan said.
Landon Donovan of the United States celebrates after scoring the winning goal against Algeria in their Group C match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane, South Africa, on June 23, 2010. (Jeff Mitchell/FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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“As you get older, you have a responsibility to do your job and help grow the sport. And it doesn't mean it won't be fun or exciting or any of that. It's just, it's a responsibility. That's what these players have on their shoulders, and they know it.”
The USMNT begins its quest for its first title on Friday in Los Angeles against Paraguay.
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