Erling Haaland and Zlatan Ibrahimovic praised the United States for turning the 2026 FIFA World Cup into a spectacular entertainment event but questioned the country's football development. Both suggested America focuses more on the show than the sport itself, especially after the USMNT's Round of 16 exit. Former US star Landon Donovan also highlighted how expensive youth soccer limits talent development despite the game's growing popularity.The United States has provided Packed stadiums, blockbuster entertainment, and record-breaking crowds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament has been lauded for its presentation but two of football’s biggest names think there is still one major area that the host nation has work to do. Erling Haaland and Zlatan Ibrahimovic both praised the way America marketed the sport but both said that the country’s football development still trails its commercial success.Erling Haaland and Zlatan Ibrahimovic praise FIFA World Cup experience in the USThe 2026 FIFA World Cup has rewritten attendance records and turned matches into grand entertainment events. From celebrity appearances to large-scale pre-match shows, the tournament has reflected the style often associated with major American sporting events such as the Super Bowl.Haaland admitted he enjoyed the unique atmosphere while recognising that the experience differed from what European football fans are used to.“Honestly, it’s been amazing,” Haaland said. “Because the US, it’s different. Make it feel that as well. They don’t care (about playing), they just want (gestures as if to say ‘an entertaining show’).'”Ibrahimovic shared a similar view. He praised the country's ability to promote football on a massive scale but felt that the spotlight often shifts away from the game itself.“They push it in this country. In other countries it will be like ‘Yeah, whatever.’ They speak more about the fancy things that are actually the tactic; how you play is less important,” he said.The former Sweden captain also reflected on the expectations surrounding the host nation's performance.“If the US had won, it would have been good. Then it’s like a successful World Cup. Instead, now it became like, ‘They didn’t develop. We’re still where we were 20 years ago.”Their comments highlight an interesting contrast. America has become one of football's biggest commercial markets, attracting huge television audiences, sponsorship deals and growing interest in Europe's top leagues. Yet success off the field has not consistently translated into elite international performances.USMNT struggles renew debate over American soccer developmentThe United States men's national team exited the tournament after a disappointing Round of 16 defeat to Belgium, a performance that reignited questions about player development.Defensive mistakes proved costly throughout the match. Poor positioning, missed marking assignments and avoidable turnovers allowed Belgium to capitalise on several clear opportunities. Those familiar issues overshadowed the excitement generated by the tournament itself.Former USMNT star Landon Donovan believes the challenges begin long before players reach the national team. He pointed to the financial barriers many young athletes face while trying to pursue football seriously.“Growing up, there is zero chance I could have played club soccer,” Donovan said. “My mom made $34,000 a year as a single mom raising three kids. She couldn’t pay $4,000 for me to play club soccer—are you kidding? She couldn’t pay $400.”His remarks underline a long-running concern that youth football in the United States remains too expensive for many talented players.Despite those concerns, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has shown the sport's growing popularity across the country. Record attendances and worldwide attention demonstrate that football has never been bigger in the United States.For Haaland and Ibrahimovic, however, the next challenge is clear. Turning commercial success into sustained football excellence will require deeper investment in player development, broader access for young talent and a stronger pathway from grassroots football to the international stage.