2010 USA Home – Landon Donovan #10 Small

The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa is one of the most iconic tournaments in the history of the United States Men’s National Team. Managed by Bob Bradley, the U.S. entered the competition as underdogs but emerged with global recognition for resilience, belief, and late-game drama.

Placed in Group C alongside England, Slovenia, and Algeria, the U.S. campaign unfolded dramatically. They opened with a 1–1 draw against England, capitalizing on a goalkeeping error to earn a vital point. Against Slovenia, the U.S. mounted a spirited comeback from two goals down to draw 2–2, though a controversial disallowed winner denied them all three points.

Needing a win in the final group match, the U.S. delivered one of the most famous moments in World Cup history. A 1–0 stoppage-time victory over Algeria sent the Americans through as group winners, a rare achievement at the World Cup. In the Round of 16, the U.S. were eliminated 2–1 after extra time by Ghana, ending a memorable run but cementing the tournament’s legacy.

The 2010 USA home kit, produced by Nike, featured a clean white base, subtle navy and red pinstripes, and a classic polo-style collar. Minimalist and traditional, the shirt became inseparable from the team’s dramatic group-stage triumphs and is now regarded as a defining vintage football shirt in U.S. soccer history.

2. Player’s Impact – Landon Donovan

The 2010 World Cup represents the pinnacle of Landon Donovan’s international career and firmly established him as the greatest player in U.S. men’s national team history. Entering the tournament as captain and creative leader, Donovan carried responsibility with composure and decisiveness.

Donovan appeared in all four matches, scoring 1 goal and providing 2 assists, but his influence extended far beyond statistics. Operating primarily as a wide attacking midfielder, he balanced defensive discipline with attacking freedom, linking midfield to attack and driving transitions with intelligent movement.

His defining moment came against Algeria, when he followed up a Tim Howard save to score in the 91st minute, producing the most celebrated goal in U.S. World Cup history. The goal, and the chaotic celebration that followed, symbolized a breakthrough moment for American soccer on the global stage.

Throughout the tournament, Donovan dictated tempo, created chances, and led by example. His assist for Clint Dempsey against Slovenia, relentless pressing, and willingness to take responsibility under pressure defined the U.S. approach. South Africa 2010 transformed Donovan’s legacy from national star to international icon.

3. Full Squad List (United States – 2010 World Cup, South Africa)

Manager: Bob Bradley

Goalkeepers:
Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Marcus Hahnemann

Defenders:
Carlos Bocanegra (captain), Oguchi Onyewu, Jay DeMerit, Steve Cherundolo, Jonathan Bornstein, Jonathan Spector, Clarence Goodson

Midfielders:
Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Maurice Edu, Ricardo Clark, Stuart Holden, José Francisco Torres, DaMarcus Beasley

Forwards:
Jozy Altidore, Robbie Findley, Edson Buddle, Herculez Gomez