Despite boasting one of its most talented generations in years, the United States crashed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup earlier than expected after losing to Belgium, reigniting criticism of U.S. Soccer and the country’s player development system.

For years, U.S. Soccer has worked aggressively to recruit dual nationals and expand the talent pool available to the Stars and Stripes. But according to U.S. soccer legend Landon Donovan, the biggest obstacle comes much earlier. For many children, simply getting a chance to play at a high level is financially out of reach.

Speaking on the Late Run podcast with former NFL star Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, Donovan argued that the high cost of youth soccer is preventing countless talented players from ever reaching the professional ranks.

Donovan points to the cost of youth soccer

“There was a study in 2016 of all the kids playing youth soccer. Let’s say there were a million kids. They broke down what the household income was, and the majority of those kids came from families earning between $100,000 and $150,000 (a year),” Donovan said.

“Only 2% of kids playing organized soccer in America came from households that made less than $50,000. Meaning if you don’t make under $50,000, your kid cannot play organized soccer. Think about how many kids you’re missing out on in this country because they can’t afford to play.”

Donovan says he almost never got his chance

Donovan, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in USMNT history, said his own journey could have ended before it even began because his family couldn’t afford club soccer.

“Someone has to pay. Somebody has to pay for the coaches, I get it. But what’s happening now is clubs are grinding every penny out of families,” Donovan said.

“Growing up, there was zero chance I could have played club soccer. My mom made $34,000 a year. A single mom raising three kids. She couldn’t pay $4,000 for me to play soccer. Are you kidding? She couldn’t pay $400.

“I would have had zero chance, but someone let me stay on the team and paid for me. Otherwise, I couldn’t have. That’s not a good system to create good players. How do you create good players by doing that? You can’t.”

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