'Just going through the motions' – USMNT great Landon Donovan critiques current squad, questioning commitment following the CONCACAF Nations League losses

The USMNT's recent struggles, including losses to Panama and Canada in the Nations League, have raised questions about the team's progress and competitiveness on the international stage. That includes Landon Donovan as the USMNT icon has delivered a scathing review of the team.

He accused many of the current squad members of not caring enough about representing their country, citing a perceived lack of effort and commitment in recent performances.

“There were just too many guys out there who were just going through the motions. When I watch games, sometimes it’s difficult to accurately judge someone’s ‘desire.’ But you also just see what your eyes tell you. It was obvious in these games who cared,” Donovan told the Athletic.

“People used to hate playing against us,” said Donovan, the USMNT's all-time leader in goals and assists. “Even when we lost. We’d get beat 2-0 and you could tell the other team was still like 'F*ck, this game is going to be a f*cking nightmare.' Occasionally, though, we’d have a poor effort. And [Coach Bruce Arena] would say ‘Guys, a coach shouldn’t have to coach effort. That’s not my job.' Back then I thought that was ridiculous.

“But now I think about it and realize he was spot on. The last thing Mauricio Pochettino should have to worry about is whether these guys are going to leave it all on the field or not. Leaving it all on the field - that’s been a hallmark of the American player since the mid-'80s. If we lose that, we are in big, big trouble.

“We would not have let Canada or Panama beat us without it being an absolute bloodbath. I used to hate going into training camps, because I got the sh*t kicked out of me. The competition was real. We had real players who cared about the result and were always, without exception, willing to put themselves on the line to get a result. I can’t talk about who was more skilled or talented, but we were always responsible for the result. Right now, of course I’d take those teams over this current one.”

Donovan's criticism comes at a crucial time for the sport in the country, with the 2026 World Cup approaching and expectations for the national team at an all-time high. That is especially after back-to-back losses against Panama and Canada, as the USMNT finished fourth in the Nations League.

The USMNT will have upcoming friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland in early June. Their last bit of competitive action comes a week later as they co-host the 2025 Gold Cup alongside Canada.