Podcast Summary: World Cup Draw Reaction with Colin Cowherd & Landon Donovan

Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Colin Cowherd & Landon Donovan react to World Cup Draw: Expectations For Spain Star Lamine Yamal? Group I Is The “Group Of Death”
Date: December 12, 2025

Episode Overview

Colin Cowherd is joined by legendary US Men’s National Team forward Landon Donovan to break down the 2026 World Cup group stage draw. Together, they analyze the major storylines, highlight the tournament’s brightest stars, and offer their predictions and opinions on the “Group of Death,” top contenders, potential breakout teams, and the emergence of Spain’s young phenom, Lamine Yamal.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Netherlands: Navigating Transition in Group F

• Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, European playoff winner (Poland/Sweden/Ukraine/Albania)
• Landon’s view: Netherlands are in slight transition but remain dangerous due to mix of youth and elite experience.
• Key Players: Virgil van Dijk—“still probably the best center back and best defender in the world” (Landon, 01:11); Xavi Simons highlighted as a talented new attacker.
• Potential pitfalls: The team’s emotional volatility can lead to unraveling under pressure, a trait they share with France.
• Japan as a dark horse: “Japan are really hard to play against” (Landon, 01:34).
• Quote:
  • “They have some young stars… I don’t think they can win it, but they certainly have the ability to… If things go poorly, it can go poorly and unravel really, really fast.” — Landon Donovan (01:09)
• Summary: Netherlands are still favored, but Landon doesn’t see them as likely winners due to inconsistency.

2. Belgium’s Consistency vs. Egypt’s Star Power in Group G

• Group G: Belgium, Egypt (Mo Salah), Iran, New Zealand
• Colin’s cultural take: He likens Belgium’s soccer style to their famed chocolates and waffles—consistent, precise, and enjoyable (01:55).
• Mo Salah’s status:
  • “Mo Salah is a global superstar… Right at the end of his career… They just don’t have enough talent around them.” — Landon Donovan (02:51)
• Prediction: Egypt likely qualifies from the group but cannot overtake Belgium for the top spot.
• No real upset expected: Landon is firm that “they won’t beat Belgium.” (02:49)

3. Spain’s Lamine Yamal: The Tournament’s Youngest Superstar (Group H)

• Spain’s group: Spain, plus three unlisted teams (main focus is on Spain’s prospects)
• Spain’s status: Euro winners, now featuring 18-year-old Lamine Yamal.
• Lamine Yamal’s hype:
  • “At 18, to play in a World Cup is a remarkable feat. He might be the best player in the tournament at 18.” — Landon Donovan (03:54)
• Comparison to legends: Landon ranks Yamal next to Mbappe, young Ronaldo, and Messi in terms of potential impact.
• Spain’s style transition: Yamal brings “much more vertical, much more dynamic, much more direct” play—breaking away from Spain’s tradition of possession (“death by a thousand cuts”).
• Quote:
  • “He can get the ball and make a play by himself… Now they can give it to him, run by people, bang, score a goal.” — Landon Donovan (04:28)
• Implication: Yamal could win the Golden Ball as best player.

4. Group I: The “Group of Death” — France, Senegal, Norway

• Group I: France, Senegal, Norway—star-studded and unpredictable.
• Colin’s excitement: “If you’re not a soccer devotee, but you love excitement, goals, highlights… this is your YouTube group.” (04:53)
• Headline stars: Kylian Mbappé (France) and Erling Haaland (Norway)
• French team dynamics:
  • France is supremely talented (“Probably only Spain is more talented through and through” — Landon, 06:47) but temperamentally fragile:
  • “The challenge with France always is it’s a bit of sink or swim...” (Landon, 05:56)
  • Historically, the team can collapse if early group results go awry (e.g., issues off the field, pressure).
• Quote:
  • “Off the field, they’ll have issues. And if one result doesn’t go their way… you’ll see this whole thing unravel. And it’s fun to watch, it’s entertaining to watch.” — Landon Donovan (06:39)
• Key strength: A deep pool of elite athletes, many of African descent, is highlighted as a unique advantage for France’s talent pipeline (05:56).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Landon on Netherlands:
  “They have some young stars… I don’t think they can win it, but they certainly have the ability to…” (01:09)
• Landon on Egypt & Mo Salah:
  “Mo Salah is a global superstar… but they just don’t have enough talent around them.” (02:51)
• Landon on Spain’s Yamal:
  “At 18, to play in a World Cup is a remarkable feat. He might be the best player in the tournament at 18.” (03:54)
• Colin on Group I excitement:
  “If you’re not a soccer devotee, but you love excitement, goals, highlights. This is your YouTube group.” (04:53)
• Landon on France’s volatility:
  “The challenge with France always is it’s a bit of sink or swim with them… you’ll see this whole thing unravel. And it’s fun to watch, it’s entertaining to watch.” (05:56 – 06:39)

Important Timestamps

• 00:01: Introduction and context: overview of US, Group F, and the Netherlands discussion starts
• 01:02: Landon describes Netherlands’ squad and dynamics
• 01:55: Belgium vs. Egypt analysis; Mo Salah’s chances
• 03:14: Spain’s group and Lamine Yamal’s emergence
• 03:52: Landon assesses Yamal’s talent and influence
• 04:47: Transition to Group I: France, Senegal, Norway
• 05:51: Depth and talent of the French team; strengths and risk factors discussed

Tone & Language

Colin brings his trademark conversational, metaphor-laden style (likening national teams to waffles, chocolates, robotic cultures), while Landon’s commentary is analytical but relaxed, speaking from deep experience. The episode is dynamic and opinionated, providing accessible insights for both hardcore and casual soccer fans.

Summary:
Colin Cowherd and Landon Donovan dissect the World Cup draw with sharp observations on the transition and talent among favorites, the game-changers in each group, and especially the meteoric rise of Spain’s Lamine Yamal. The conversation centers on the vulnerability and potential of top teams, with Group I declared the “must-watch” showdown for fans seeking high drama and skill.