Landon Donovan condemns USMNT stars for skipping Gold Cup

In an intense match, the U.S. Men's National Team suffered a significant defeat, losing 4-0 to Switzerland. Following this poor performance, American soccer legend Landon Donovan took to social media, revealing that even two bottles of wine could not ease his disappointment. Donovan, who is widely considered the greatest U.S. men's player, critiqued the current roster for their lack of commitment, particularly targeting players who chose not to participate in the Gold Cup to instead relax and gain experience with fellow squad members ahead of the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Donovan's remarks came during a UEFA Nations League final broadcast, emphasizing the importance of national representation in soccer. He lamented seeing prominent players like Christian Pulisic opting out of crucial matches, despite having no injuries. Pulisic previously shared a competitive season with AC Milan, and while he did not respond directly to Donovan, his father criticized Donovan for a similar past decision that prevented him from making the 2014 World Cup roster. The U.S. Men’s National Team, hosting part of the upcoming World Cup, is under immense pressure to perform well, with high expectations from fans and former players alike. Donovan also noted that soccer's popularity is on the rise in the country, indicating that even disappointing performances won't hinder the sport's growth. However, he highlighted the need for this generation of players to embrace opportunities, work diligently, and contribute to the sport's trajectory in the lead-up to the World Cup. Despite the challenges, Donovan believes the potential for iconic moments remains, which could significantly elevate soccer's status in the United States.