Landon Donovan Raps Australia Coach Popovic's 'Smug' World Cup Take

US soccer legend Landon Donovan predicts Group D win

Landon Donovan fires back at Australia coach Tony Popovic's World Cup prediction, saying US will top Group D.

“We think the US ⁠top the group. Turkey again, we're maybe getting ahead ‌of ourselves...”

Landon Donovan is not holding back! The former US captain blasted Australia's coach Tony Popovic, calling him “smug” after Popovic predicted an early exit for Australia in the World Cup. Donovan confidently predicted that the US will top Group D, which includes Australia, Paraguay, and a playoff winner.

Donovan's response comes after Popovic's comments on the World Cup draw, where Australia was placed in Group B with England, Spain, and another playoff winner. The US, on the other hand, is in Group D, and Donovan believes they have a great chance to come out on top. “We're going to top the group,” Donovan said, adding that the US is ready for the challenge.

The World Cup is shaping up to be an exciting tournament, and the US vs Australia matchup is one to watch. The two teams have a history of intense matches, and this group stage encounter is sure to be a thrilling one. With Donovan's prediction and the US team's determination, it's going to be an interesting ride.

Mauricio Pochettino's US team has been on a roll, beating Paraguay and Australia in recent months, which makes them favorites to progress from the group. This impressive form has certainly given them an edge, and they'll be looking to build on this momentum.

Australia coach Popovic, however, is remaining optimistic about his side's chances, despite the tough draw. “I am sure the boys are looking at the draw and can't wait to get over there,” he said, showing confidence in his team's abilities. Popovic's enthusiasm is infectious, and his team will be looking to prove themselves on the international stage.

"He just had this smugness about him!” 🗣️@landondonovan discusses Australia head coach Tony Popovic’s response to being drawn into the same group as the USMNT 🇦🇺🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/iFSYO6MkiW

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 10, 2025

Landon Donovan wasn't having it! On a FOX Soccer podcast with Cobi Jones and Brad Guzan, he called out Australia's coach Tony Popovic for being “smug” about the World Cup draw. Donovan thinks Popovic's reaction was a bit too confident, given the tough group Australia's in.

“I watched the Aussie coach's interview after the draw, and it was ‍really interesting. It was unique,” he said.

“Because, most coaches say all the same stuff you're expecting, like 'Oh, it's a difficult draw, ‍this is going ‌to be so hard', and his first comment was 'We're satisfied'. And I was like: 'Really? Are you?' He just had this smugness about him.

“And I'm just - alright, I can't wait. I wish I was ⁠on the field. I want to play these guys... They're a solid team, they're hard to play against, this is not going to be some blowout. But it's a team I think we should beat.”

Landon Donovan, Cobi Jones, and Brad Guzan are all on the same page – they think the US will cruise through Group D. “We all picked how we thought this would go and we're all aligned,” Donovan said, highlighting their confidence in the US team's abilities.

The three US soccer legends are backing their team to make it to the knockout stages, and they're not holding back. Donovan, the joint-record goalscorer for the US men's team, is predicting a strong performance from the US.

“We think the US ⁠top the group. Turkey again, we're maybe getting ahead ‌of ourselves, but we think that will be them (playoff winners), and we think they finish second,” said Donovan, who is the joint-record goalscorer for the US men's team.

“Paraguay (in third) and then thanks for coming Aussies and your smug coach. You can get back on the Qantas airplane and head back home, ⁠pal.”

The World Cup is just around the corner, kicking off on June 11 and wrapping up on July 19. The US team, led by Mauricio Pochettino, is gearing up to make a statement on the global stage.