{"id":30060,"date":"2025-12-01T10:01:44","date_gmt":"2025-12-01T15:01:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/12\/01\/americas-most-controversial-squad-no-to-norway-but-alexi-lalas-and-landon-donovan-set-their-sights-on-ghana\/"},"modified":"2025-12-01T10:01:44","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T15:01:44","slug":"americas-most-controversial-squad-no-to-norway-but-alexi-lalas-and-landon-donovan-set-their-sights-on-ghana","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/12\/01\/americas-most-controversial-squad-no-to-norway-but-alexi-lalas-and-landon-donovan-set-their-sights-on-ghana\/","title":{"rendered":"America&#8217;s Most Controversial Squad: &#8216;No&#8217; to Norway, But Alexi Lalas and Landon Donovan Set Their Sights on Ghana"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/12\/01\/americas-most-controversial-squad-no-to-norway-but-alexi-lalas-and-landon-donovan-set-their-sights-on-ghana\/#Pot_2_Uruguay\" >Pot 2: Uruguay<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/12\/01\/americas-most-controversial-squad-no-to-norway-but-alexi-lalas-and-landon-donovan-set-their-sights-on-ghana\/#Pot_3_Norway\" >Pot 3: Norway<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/12\/01\/americas-most-controversial-squad-no-to-norway-but-alexi-lalas-and-landon-donovan-set-their-sights-on-ghana\/#Pot_4_Ghana\" >Pot 4: Ghana<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div data-v-160ccf97=\"\"><!--(--><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-160ccf97=\"\">Different people might have varying opinions on which teams they desire the U.S. men&#8217;s national soccer team to face in the World Cup group stage. Are the opponents likely to be lower-ranked squads? A challenging lineup of star players? A familiar rival? An unfamiliar contender? Perhaps all of these options? <\/p>\n<p><iframe id=\"yt-BlQCBQmxypM\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/BlQCBQmxypM?enablejsapi=1\" title=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/iframe> <!----><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-160ccf97=\"\">If the U.S. finds themselves in a particular group, it could lead to intense drama and considerable anxiety for fans. Analysts from FOX Sports, including U.S. soccer legends Landon Donovan, Stu Holden, Cobi Jones, and Alexi Lalas, have speculated on a worst-case scenario for the USMNT. <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mg-b-15 article-content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pot_2_Uruguay\"><\/span>Pot 2: Uruguay<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"full-width-image mg-t-15 article-content mg-b-25\" displaynav=\"true\" data-v-160ccf97=\"\"><img loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0\/0\/pot2.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1,  https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0\/0\/pot2.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" loading=\"lazy\"\/> <\/div>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-160ccf97=\"\"><strong>FIFA World Ranking: 16<\/strong><br \/><strong>Qualifying results: 7 Wins &#8211; 7 Draws &#8211; 4 Losses<\/strong><br \/><strong>Top scorer: Darwin Nunez (5 goals)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-160ccf97=\"\"><strong>Donovan:<\/strong> The U.S. team recently triumphed over Uruguay 5-1, but they remain a formidable opponent. There are no travel or weather concerns, and even though Uruguay has a smaller roster, they boast fervent fans. If our team ends up drawn with them in the group, it would indeed be a revenge match, making them a challenging opponent. That scenario is my worst fear.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-160ccf97=\"\"><strong>Holden:<\/strong> I agree. Uruguay has evolved; while I remember their previous stars like Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, now they have Darwin Nunez, who adds a new level of intensity. Another team of concern from Pot 2 could be Morocco, but particularly Colombia, given their explosive performance in the 2024 Copa America. They&#8217;re capable of overwhelming victories, and players like Luis Diaz can electrify on the field, creating a thrilling atmosphere during matches.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mg-b-15 article-content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pot_3_Norway\"><\/span>Pot 3: Norway<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"full-width-image mg-t-15 article-content mg-b-25\" displaynav=\"true\" data-v-160ccf97=\"\"><img loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0\/0\/pot3.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1,  https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0\/0\/pot3.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" loading=\"lazy\"\/> <\/div>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-160ccf97=\"\"><strong>FIFA World Ranking: 29<\/strong><br \/><strong>Qualifying results: 8 Wins &#8211; 0 Draws &#8211; 0 Losses<\/strong><br \/><strong>Top scorer: Erling Haaland (16 goals)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-160ccf97;\"><strong>Jones:<\/strong> Facing off against Erling Haaland, arguably the world&#8217;s top striker, is something the U.S. would prefer to avoid. Plus, Norway boasts talented wingers like Antonio Nusa and Oskar Bobb who excel in one-on-one situations, and Martin Odegaard is undoubtedly a standout midfielder. All in all, they have an impressive squad. Could this be their golden generation?<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-160ccf97;\"><strong>Holden:<\/strong> If you had to choose between America and Norway in a decisive match, who would you back?<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-160ccf97;\"><strong>Jones:<\/strong> Unfortunately, I might lean towards Norway at this moment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-160ccf97;\"><strong>Donovan:<\/strong> Norway is undoubtedly stronger than typical third-pot teams, though they aren\u2019t yet at the level of a top-seed nation. The team is taking shape recently, so I&#8217;ll need to catch up with their progress.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-160ccf97;\"><strong>Holden:<\/strong> However, performing well in qualifiers doesn\u2019t always translate to success in the World Cup.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-160ccf97;\"><strong>Jones:<\/strong> True, yet Haaland has been phenomenal, scoring 16 goals in UEFA qualifiers, while the next closest player has only eight. That\u2019s remarkable.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-160ccf97;\"><strong>Donovan:<\/strong> That\u2019s what worries me. In our recent friendly matches, we faced some capable strikers, but going up against someone of Haaland&#8217;s caliber would be a nightmare scenario at the World Cup. If you find yourself isolated against him, it could spell disaster for us.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-160ccf97;\"><strong>Holden:<\/strong> He is quite formidable.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mg-b-15 article-content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pot_4_Ghana\"><\/span>Pot 4: Ghana<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"full-width-image mg-t-15 mg-b-15 article-content\" displaynav=\"true\" data-v-160ccf97=\"\"><img loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0\/0\/pot4.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1,  https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0\/0\/pot4.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" loading=\"lazy\"\/> <\/div>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-160ccf97=\"\"><strong>FIFA World Ranking: 72<\/strong><br \/><strong>Qualifying results: 8 Wins &#8211; 1 Draw &#8211; 1 Loss<\/strong><br \/><strong>Top scorer: Jordan Ayew (7 goals)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-160ccf97;\"><strong>Lalas:<\/strong> History plays a crucial role, and Ghana is a historic name in this context. Although they&#8217;re in pot four and aren\u2019t the strongest team, their history against the U.S. makes them a notable opponent.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-160ccf97;\"><strong>Holden:<\/strong> I\u2019m in favor of facing Ghana.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-160ccf97;\"><strong>Donovan:<\/strong> I&#8217;d welcome that matchup. It\u2019s a chance for us to move past that obstacle and find some closure.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-160ccf97;\"><strong>Holden:<\/strong> The heartache from 2010 still lingers; that one stings.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-160ccf97=\"\"><i>Interested in receiving top-notch articles directly to your inbox? <\/i><i><u>Create or log in to your FOX Sports account<\/u><\/i><i> to get personalized newsletters daily based on your favorite leagues, teams, and players.<\/i><\/p>\n<p><!--)--><\/div>\n<p><strong>Fan Take:<\/strong> This discussion is crucial for soccer enthusiasts as it highlights potential matchups that could define the U.S. men&#8217;s team\u2019s World Cup journey. The stakes are high, and how these encounters unfold could greatly influence the sport\u2019s popularity and growth in America.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Different people might have varying opinions on which teams they desire the U.S. men&#8217;s national soccer team to face in the World Cup group stage. Are the opponents likely to be lower-ranked squads? A challenging lineup of star players? A familiar rival? An unfamiliar contender? Perhaps all of these options? If the U.S. finds themselves [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":30061,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[3676,2882,920,1995,40,7415,3677,1994,46,1922,150,1085,45,1072],"class_list":{"0":"post-30060","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-football","8":"tag-alexi","9":"tag-americas","10":"tag-controversial","11":"tag-donovan","12":"tag-football","13":"tag-ghana","14":"tag-lalas","15":"tag-landon","16":"tag-news","17":"tag-norway","18":"tag-set","19":"tag-sights","20":"tag-soccer","21":"tag-squad"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30060","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30060"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30060\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30061"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30060"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30060"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30060"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}