Colin is joined by U.S. Men's soccer legend Landon Donovan and host of the “Unfiltered Soccer” podcast with Tim Howard to preview the 2026 World Cup.
They start with the current USMNT and their more extensive experience in playing overseas, at a higher level than prior teams and the advantages it provides in preparing them for a cup.
Landon argues that due to their early superstar status & big contracts, they lost some grit, but if they are focused can exceed expectations (1:30).
They discuss the tension between star player Christian Pulisic and head coach Mauricio Pochettino after Pulisic declined an invite to the national team, and how Pochettino has brought a real sense of pride and accountability in playing for USMNT(3:30).
Finally, they preview Group D and discuss whether the U.S. got a favorable draw, and the enormous pressure that comes with being a favorite and playing at home during a World Cup (7:45). They discuss how the expanded field of 48 teams has changed the definition of success for the United States (10:00), and debate whether the U.S. will play a more conservative defensive style or whether they’ll be aggressive and looking to attack (13:30).
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