Seth Jahn says the US men’s team is in ‘unique shape’ ahead of the FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup kicks off today, with former US Soccer Federation Athletes Council member Seth Jahn discussing the tournament. Jahn emphasizes the advantage of the US home team and the elite European talent, predicting a successful run. He highlights the unique fan excitement and support expected from the American Outlaws, creating a strong atmosphere for the games.
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For the first time in 32 years, the US men’s soccer team will be playing a World Cup game at home on Friday night.
The popularity of the sport in the US changed dramatically after the 1994 World Cup, as the Stars and Stripes made it to the playoffs for the first time since 1934. It might be déjà vu this year (the New York Knicks were in the NBA Finals the last time the US hosted), as this year’s memory is probably the most recent memory.
Now, team legends Landon Donovan and Tim Howard aren’t even going to say they’re going to win it all, but they’re certainly not ruling out an “amazing summer.”
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American midfielder Landon Donovan celebrates with striker Jozy Altidore and goalkeeper Tim Howard after their 1-0 victory in the 2010 World Cup Group C first round match on June 23 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane, South Africa. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP)
“I’m not sure they can win it. That’s probably reserved for about five teams in the world. But I think they can have a magical summer where they run and have magical moments, recent goals, someone becomes the darling of the team, and they attract the attention of the media and supporters,” Howard recently told Fox News Digital.
“Yes, a deep run will help the momentum, especially because it’s at home and a lot of people will be watching because it’s American.”
Both Howard and Donovan agreed that a team win is a minimum, and then the playoffs can be attractive.
“That game against Senegal (USA’s 3-2 win on May 31) could have looked like a Round of 32 game, maybe even a Round of 16 game. There were a lot of changes, it was intense, both teams haven’t met in a long time, so I don’t put too much into the result,” said an optimistic Donovan. “I’m just saying that’s the type of opponent and the type of game you can get. We can absolutely win that game. And I can say that we are loved in games like that. Even at home, if our team plays well…
US soccer icon Landon Donovan helps promote the excitement of soccer’s biggest international tournament during an event at the prestigious Raise Cane venue, Inglewood on June 9, 2026. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) ((Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
LANDON DONOVAN REMEMBERS LIFE-CHANGING MOMENT AT WORLD CUP BETWEEN PLAYERS’ ‘RESPONSIBILITY’ TO GROW GAME IN USA.
“Then you get to the Round of 16, and that’s when you get Belgium, or Portugal, or someone like that. And the challenge is, as we saw a month and a half ago when they played Belgium and Portugal, and they struggled a lot. If the spirit and effort is what it was against Senegal, we can completely beat those teams again. We won’t completely defeat those teams, but we won’t doubt those teams.”
Howard said that if the US wants to make it to the quarterfinals, it will have to hit a “bull” in the round of 16.
“That’s easy on paper. A lot of things have to happen,” Howard warned.
But both former stars believe it’s possible.
“I think this is a really talented team. Can they come together, all play their best football at the same time? We’ll see. But I think they have the ability to do that,” Howard said.
Tim Howard, goalkeeper of the United States, plays during the match against Azerbaijan at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California, on May 27, 2014. (Photos by Michael Burns/ISI/Getty Images)
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Donovan, however, took a small step forward.
“They know that. I expect to go deep into the tournament. I’m here.”
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