The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially hit the six-month mark. With the groups set and the host cities preparing for the spotlight, the soccer world is buzzing with predictions. While fans analyze the brackets, USMNT icon Landon Donovan has already seen enough to declare his winner.
Who Does Landon Donovan See Lifting the Trophy?
Following last Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup draw in Washington D.C., Donovan didn’t hesitate to pick his favorite. The Los Angeles Galaxy legend believes Spain will capture its second world title next summer. He also predicts a massive tournament for one of Spain’s brightest young stars.
“My semi-final, I will start first: Spain versus France and Portugal versus Brazil. My final, I’ve got Spain versus Portugal. I might be the only one with Portugal there. I think Spain will win it,” Donovan said (via X/@FOXSoccer).
The 13-time MLS All-Star also expects individual accolades for two of Europe’s biggest names. Donovan added, “(Kylian) Mbappe will win the Golden Boot (for scoring the most goals) and our guy, the not so humble but I like that, Lamine Yamal (will win) the Golden Ball as the best player.”
Spain is set to appear in its 17th FIFA World Cup next year. La Roja won the tournament in 2010 but exited in the Round of 16 during both the 2018 and 2022 campaigns.
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While Donovan focused on the title contenders, France and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry analyzed the outlook for the United States. The 1998 World Cup winner believes the co-hosts have a legitimate chance to surprise people if they get off to a strong start.
“I said it at the beginning when they were not playing well in friendlies, ‘Don’t get too sad and don’t get too hyped about anything.’ I do believe that if the U.S. come out of the group stage playing well, carrying momentum, having that, that understanding with the fans, when the fans can relate to the team, (they can progress further),” Henry said (via Tribal Football).
Henry pointed to history as a guide for what home-field advantage can do for a squad. He noted that energy from the crowd often changes the math in international tournaments.
“I’ve seen it with South Korea in 2002, I’ve seen it in Russia when Russia played the World Cup in their country (in 2018). When you get that momentum, anything is possible. But like I said, you still have to go through the group. It won’t be easy, but it could have been worse,” Henry concluded.
The USMNT will compete in Group D against Australia, Paraguay, and the winner of the UEFA Playoff C. The program’s best finish remains its third-place run in 1930.
