#689: Leander's back to talk WC run-up, roster cuts

The U.S. Men's National Team's World Cup journey is less about pre-tournament results and more about the intangible 'vibes' within the camp—something Leander Sherlockens, author of *The Long Game*, argues is the true predictor of success. Drawing from decades of U.S. World Cup history, he reveals a recurring pattern: poor run-up performances often precede strong tournaments, while good run-ups have frequently been followed by underwhelming results. The 2014 snub of Landon Donovan—cut despite being the team’s best player—stands as a pivotal moment, not just for its shock value, but for exposing the disconnect between Juergen Klinsmann’s management style and the team’s emotional needs. Sherlockens emphasizes that chemistry, locker room culture, and leadership balance are more critical than tactics or stats. He also warns that the U.S. is dangerously thin in its striker options, with only three viable candidates and no depth. As the World Cup looms, the real story isn’t who wins or loses, but whether the team can build a unified, resilient culture—because in the U.S. men’s game, one play can define a generation.