“CONCACAF is not an easy competition,” remarked an optimistic Mauricio Pochettino after his side secured a narrow victory over Jamaica in the opening leg of the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals. Considering the scoreline, it’s obvious they faced a tough rival. However, for USMNT icons Tim Howard and Landon Donovan, such competition is not enough to prepare the ‘Golden Generation’ for the 2026 World Cup.

The Stars and Stripes have been handed over their spot in the prestigious tournament on a silver platter, thanks to the host nation’s spot. This is exactly what Howard and Donovan have a problem with, insisting that the team hasn’t gone through difficult moments together, despite the fact Poch’s claim of how such friendlies and CONCACAF Nations League fixtures are difficult.

Even if they play such friendlies, the question looms over their lack of seriousness. For instance, Pulisic left the USMNT camp early during the Mexico defeat, a game which was ‘tough, away from home, and nasty’ according to Howard. “Every time you miss an opportunity like that it’s tough,” added the iconic goalie on the latest podcast episode of Unfiltered Soccer, insisting that growing through certain challenges despite defeat ‘Builds character.’

Agreeing with Tim, Donovan continued the discussion saying, “Don’t forget, we don’t have qualifying. These other tournaments are great, like Gold Cups, but qualifying is when you are really up against a lot. I’m getting goosebumps talking about it. There are games where you’re like, ‘If we lose, we’re not going to the World Cup,’ and those guys lived it in 2018, and you have to feel that.”

The two reminisced about their old days when facing a team during a qualification made them realize, ‘Oh, we’re in something right now.’ Further expressing their worry about the challenges they may potentially face in the World Cup, Howard added, “I’m worried about the makeup of the team.” Well, it’s not exactly demotivating the American boys from their goal of doing their best during the 2026 stage. Howard and Donovan’s concern for their nation’s new generation is completely normal. At least, they weren’t as blunt in their approach as another ex-USMNT star.

Another ex-USMNT star joins Landon Donovan and Tim Howard to question the preparation under Mauricio Pochettino

Former USMNT striker Eric Wynalda has voiced his dissatisfaction with the Nations League, both in CONCACAF and Europe. He criticized the format, arguing that it has hindered federations’ ability to improve. Wynalda highlighted that teams, particularly in CONCACAF, are stuck facing the same opponents repeatedly, with the USMNT often meeting Mexico, Canada, and potentially Panama, which he believes does little to foster growth.

Wynalda also downplayed the competition’s prestige, claiming that national teams now view it as insignificant. He further noted that the tournament offers no new challenges or valuable experiences, claiming, “We’re going to play against the same damn teams we’ve been playing against for the last four years because that’s the way FIFA mandated us to do it. So there’s nothing special. The players are prioritizing their bodies because the prestige is gone.”.

While this perspective may have some merit, Mauricio Pochettino offers a different viewpoint. What’s your take on this? Share in the comments below.