Former United States football greats are calling for a renewed World Cup showdown with Ghana as anticipation builds ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw. With the ceremony set for Friday, December 5, 2025, excitement is rising across North America as qualified nations prepare to learn their group-stage opponents. For many American fans and two former national team icons in particular the hope is clear: a rematch with the Black Stars.
Landon Donovan, one of the most iconic figures in US football history, has voiced his desire to see Ghana drawn in the same group as the tournament co-hosts. The rivalry between the United States and Ghana is one of the most memorable modern matchups in World Cup history.
The two nations have clashed three times on the global stage, with Ghana winning the first two encounters in 2006 and 2010. Donovan played in both of those painful defeats, including the dramatic 2010 Round of 16 knockout in South Africa.
Now retired, Donovan admits he wants another chance this time from the sidelines. “I want to play them. I want to get over that hurdle. For my personal sake, I want some vindication,” he said on Fox Sports while assembling his ideal World Cup group for the USA. His words reflect a lingering competitive fire and the emotional weight those past matches still carry.
Joining Donovan in expressing interest in a Ghana rematch is fellow US legend Alexi Lalas. The former defender also hopes the draw pairs the two nations once again, bluntly stating: “This isn’t a great Ghana team…Give me Ghana.” He added: “This isn’t a great Ghana team, but it is still Ghana. They have plenty of history when it comes to playing against us.” Lalas’ comments highlight both respect for Ghana’s pedigree and belief that the current US side is better positioned to handle the challenge.
Historically, the rivalry has been fiercely competitive. Ghana claimed victories in 2006 and 2010, before the United States finally secured a 2-1 win in their opening match of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. In more recent encounters, the US has enjoyed the upper hand, including a dominant 4-0 friendly win in October 2023. Notably, all meetings between the two countries have ended decisively no draws, only winners.
With Ghana placed in Pot 4 and the United States in Pot 1, a group-stage clash is not only possible but statistically likely. Should the two nations meet again at the 2026 tournament, the matchup would carry history, rivalry, emotion, and the promise of yet another unforgettable chapter in their World Cup story.
