Donovan, Howard Back U.S. World Cup Run in First Home Match in 32 Years

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 12

Friday’s U.S. World Cup opener will be the men’s team’s first match on home soil in 32 years, with Landon Donovan saying he expects a deep run and Tim Howard calling a quarterfinal push possible.
Both former stars said winning the group is the minimum target, arguing the U.S. should be favored against Round of 32-level opponents such as Senegal, which it beat 3-2 on May 31.
Round of 16 matchups against teams like Belgium or Portugal would be tougher, and Howard said the U.S. would likely need to beat a "bully" there to reach the last eight.
Home-field support is central to their optimism: Seth Jahn cited elite Europe-based talent and an expected lift from American Outlaws fans as the tournament opens in the United States.

Sources

Fox News3h ago

Donovan, Howard Predict U.S. World Cup Deep Run

The Independent21h ago

Landon Donovan's advice to US World Cup players as tournament kicks off | The Independent

KWKT - FOX 443h ago

Christian Pulisic is ready to shoulder the burden of US hopes in home World Cup opener vs Paraguay | KWKT - FOX 44

6 Sources

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States: High Hopes, High Costs, and High Barriers for Fans and Nations

Overview

The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a historic moment as the USMNT begins its campaign at home, igniting excitement across the nation. The opening match at SoFi Stadium features the US facing Paraguay, a team known for strong defense but struggling to score. This event not only recalls the legacy of the 1994 World Cup in inspiring new generations but also highlights challenges like high costs for fans and strict US entry policies, which limit international attendance. As the tournament unfolds, the balance between sporting ambition, fan experience, and global inclusivity will shape its lasting impact on American soccer.

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