Khaberni - Landon Donovan, former captain of the USA national team, strongly responded to the optimistic statements by Australian coach Tony Popovic regarding the 2026 World Cup draw.
The United States, which is co-hosting the World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, will be in Group Four along with Paraguay, Australia, and a team from the playoffs.
Under the leadership of Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino, the US team has recently defeated both Paraguay and Australia, making it the clear favorite to advance from the group.
However, Australian coach Popovic spoke optimistically about his team's chances immediately after the draw, saying: "I'm sure the players are looking at the draw and can't wait to get there."
In remarks to "Fox Sports," during a podcast attended alongside former American internationals Kobe Jones and Brad Guzan, Donovan expressed his objections to Popovic's reaction, expecting an early exit for the Australian team from the tournament that will be held next year with 48 teams participating.
Donovan said in response to Popovic: "I watched the Australian coach's interview after the draw and it was really interesting.. It was quite unique."
He added: "Most coaches make the same traditional statements after the draw like ('It’s a tough draw, things are going to be very complicated'), but his first comment was ('We are satisfied') and I thought to myself ('Really? Are you?') It seemed a bit arrogant."
He explained: "I tell myself ('Okay, I can’t wait, I wish I was on the field.. I want to face these players'). They are a strong team and it won’t be easy at all, but it's a game I think we should win."
Regarding the group expectations, both Donovan along with Jones and Guzan believe that the United States will easily qualify for the knockout stages, with Donovan, who is the joint all-time top scorer for the United States team, saying: "We all agreed on the likely scenario."
He continued: "We believe that the United States will top the group, whereas Turkey, which we believe will be the team coming from the playoffs, will finish in second place."
He concluded: "Paraguay (in third place), and thank you Australians for coming, and to your arrogant coach, you can head back on Qantas Airlines (the Australian national carrier) and return to your country, my friend."
The World Cup tournament will be held from June 11 to July 19 next year.
