As the World Cup gets closer to getting underway, one of the faces of men’s soccer in the United States knows exactly the sort of impact that hosting the World Cup can have on an entire generation of athletes. That’s because Landon Donovan has lived it. 

And he’s getting the chance to talk about that not too far from where he grew up. 

As part of a partnership between Donovan and Raising Cane’s, a press conference was held in Inglewood, California, just around the corner from Sofi Stadium in one of the most unique structures I’ve ever seen. 

This Raising Cane’s location, in some ways, felt more like a spaceship than it did a fast food restaurant, but that’s a story for another time (we’ll get there soon enough).

As for Donovan, this has to be a fascinating sort of moment for him. He’s experienced going from being just a kid who played soccer in the park to having his expectations of the sport completely and totally changed. And now he gets to watch all of that happen again.

“So, in ‘94, I went to my first World Cup game, and I didn’t know about soccer at all outside of just playing out in the park,” Donovan explained at a truly unique, flagship Raising Cane’s location in Inglewood. “And I went to Argentina against Romania in the Rose Bowl. For the first time in my life, my eyes were open to this bigger world that I didn’t know existed.”

And all of that is fascinating for someone who has played a number of roles in this sport

There’s no way that didn’t have a drastic and significant impact on Donovan’s outlook. And it really seems likely that we see some of that carry over with the next generation here in America today. 

“There will be millions of girls and boys who watch this summer and go, ‘Oh my God, I didn’t know that was possible. I want to be that. I want to be Weston McKennie. I want to be Christian Pulisic,’” Donovan said.

Donovan has been instrumental in soccer in the United States. He’s been a figure that kids have looked up to for years now. He’s played in three World Cups of his own and is known widely as one of the greatest soccer stars to come from this country. 

Now he’s a podcaster, commentator, and a fan who is able to sit back and take it all in from a different angle and with a different level of appreciation. It gives a level of weight to his thoughts and it’s absolutely worthwhile keeping up with all he has to say on this.

This is part of a series of coverage of a Raising Cane’s event. More coverage is available here at The Underdog Tribune.