USMNT legend Landon Donovan talks World Cup, American soccer's influence overseas during Raising Cane's shift

Christian Pulisic, who scored and notched an assist in the U.S. men's national soccer team's World Cup friendly against Senegal last week, discusses what it's like to represent country on home soil in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

There was a time when American soccer players struggled to earn respect overseas, but U.S. legend Landon Donovan has watched that perception change dramatically.

On Tuesday, Donovan found himself in an unlikely setting to reflect on the evolution of American soccer: behind the counter at Raising Cane's new flagship restaurant in Inglewood, California.

The new location is massive, boasting a design that draws inspiration from the Halo Board inside the nearby Intuit Dome.

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Soccer legend and announcer Landon Donovan works "shift" at Raising Cane’s new Inglewood flagship to kick off international soccer tournament on June 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Anna Webber/Getty Images for Raising Cane's) ((Photo by Anna Webber/Getty Images for Raising Cane's))

Donovan worked a ceremonial "shift," leaning out of the restaurant's pickup window and taking orders from customers.

Donovan's cameo behind the counter came with soccer on everyone's mind.

Attention turns to nearby SoFi Stadium, where the United States will open its 2026 World Cup run against Paraguay.

Amid the festivities, Donovan reflected on how dramatically perceptions of American soccer have changed since he first arrived in Europe as a teenager.

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"It's changed a lot over time. When I was 17 I moved to Germany and there was no reference for American soccer