Former U.S. men’s soccer star Landon Donovan did not hold back in his criticism of the U.S. men’s national team following their CONCACAF Nations League loss to Canada. The 2-1 defeat marked the team’s second consecutive loss after falling to Panama, which led them to the third-place match instead of competing for the title. Despite being touted for their young talent, the U.S. has struggled to make a significant impact on the global stage, as evidenced by their lackluster performance at the Copa America last summer. Former coach Gregg Berhalter was removed from his position following these disappointing results.
Current coach Mauricio Pochettino was brought in to lead the team with the goal of making waves in the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will be hosting. However, recent losses have dampened the initial excitement surrounding his arrival. Donovan expressed frustration over the perceived lack of pride and passion exhibited by the players, emphasizing that talent alone is not enough to succeed. Pochettino acknowledged the need for change and improvement within the team, but expressed optimism that there is still time to make significant progress before the World Cup in 2026.
Pochettino emphasized that the recent losses serve as a learning opportunity for the team, as they strive to develop a more cohesive and effective strategy on the field. The coach highlighted the importance of the team’s ability to adapt and evolve, indicating that there is still room for growth and improvement before the 2026 World Cup. Despite their recent struggles, Pochettino remains committed to guiding the team and believes that they have the potential to make significant strides in the coming years.
The U.S. men’s national team’s recent loss to Canada marked a significant historical milestone, as it was the first competitive defeat to Canada on U.S. soil since 1957. Additionally, it was the first time the team had suffered back-to-back losses to Canada since 1980 and 1985. These results underscore the challenges the team faces in achieving consistent success on the international stage and highlight the importance of addressing underlying issues within the team. Moving forward, Pochettino and his staff will need to work diligently to rectify these issues and propel the team to greater success in future competitions.
Despite the disappointing results and criticism from former players like Donovan, Pochettino remains focused on the team’s long-term development and potential for success. He views the recent setbacks as opportunities for growth and improvement, emphasizing the importance of a strategic and cohesive approach to the game. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the U.S. men’s national team will need to address their shortcomings and make significant progress in order to compete at the highest level on the global stage. The team’s future success will depend on their ability to overcome challenges, work together as a cohesive unit, and unlock their full potential on the field.
