2010 USA Home – Landon Donovan #10 Large

The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa stands as one of the most celebrated tournaments in United States Men’s National Team history. Managed by Bob Bradley, the U.S. entered the competition as underdogs but emerged with global respect, defined by resilience, belief, and some of the most dramatic moments the tournament produced.

Drawn into Group C with England, Slovenia, and Algeria, the U.S. campaign was anything but straightforward. They opened with a 1–1 draw against England, capitalizing on a goalkeeping error to earn a vital point. The second match saw a chaotic 2–2 draw with Slovenia, where the U.S. mounted an impressive comeback from two goals down, only to have a controversial late winner disallowed.

Needing a win in their final group match, the U.S. produced a moment etched forever into World Cup history. Against Algeria, relentless late pressure paid off when Landon Donovan scored in stoppage time, sealing a 1–0 victory and sending the U.S. through as group winners — a rare achievement and a landmark moment for American soccer.

In the Round of 16, the U.S. faced Ghana in a rematch of their 2006 World Cup encounter. Despite fighting back to equalize, the Americans were eliminated 2–1 after extra time. Although the run ended there, the tournament became a defining chapter in the growth and credibility of U.S. soccer on the world stage.

The 2010 USA home kit, produced by Nike, featured a clean white base with subtle navy and red pinstripes, a polo-style collar, and minimalist detailing. Understated and traditional, it contrasted with the bold away sash kit but became inseparable from Donovan’s leadership and the tournament’s emotional highs.

2. Player’s Impact – Landon Donovan

The 2010 World Cup represented the pinnacle of Landon Donovan’s international career and cemented his status as the greatest player in U.S. men’s national team history. Entering the tournament as the team’s leader and primary creative force, Donovan delivered with composure, intelligence, and unforgettable clutch moments.

Donovan made 4 appearances, scoring 1 goal and providing 2 assists, but his true impact transcended statistics. Operating mainly as a wide attacking midfielder, he balanced defensive responsibility with attacking freedom, linking midfield to attack and exploiting space on the counter. His movement, timing, and vision were central to the U.S. game plan.

His defining moment came in the final group match against Algeria. With elimination looming, Donovan followed up a Tim Howard save and calmly finished in the 91st minute, producing arguably the most iconic goal in U.S. World Cup history. The celebration — raw, emotional, and chaotic — symbolized a nation’s breakthrough on the global stage.

Beyond the goal, Donovan’s leadership was constant. He assisted Clint Dempsey’s equalizer against Slovenia, stretched defenses with intelligent runs, and shouldered the creative burden in a team built on collective effort. The tournament captured Donovan at his absolute peak: confident, decisive, and fully embracing the responsibility of carrying American soccer’s hopes.

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, Ricardo Clark, Maurice Edu, Stuart Holden, José Francisco Torres, DaMarcus Beasley

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