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.LANDON DONOVAN RECALLS LIFE-CHANGING WORLD CUP MOMENT AMID PLAYERS' 'RESPONSIBILITY' OF GROWING GAME IN USASoccer 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.US MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM GETS FAVORABLE GROUP MATCHUPS AT WORLD CUP DRAW"It's changed a lot over time.
When I was 17 I moved to Germany and there was no reference for American soccer in Germany so a lot of us I think have done a lot of hard work to help pave the way to make people respect American soccer."For years, American soccer players battled international skepticism.U.S.soccer icon Landon Donovan helps promote excitement for a major international soccer tournament during an event at Raising Cane’s flagship Inglewood location on June 9, 2026.
(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) ((Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images))U.S.soccer icon Landon Donovan helps promote excitement for a major international soccer tournament during an event at Raising Cane’s flagship Inglewood location on June 9, 2026.
(Photo by Anna Web...