A recent study commissioned by BetMGM has highlighted California’s unrivaled role in shaping the United States’ World Cup legacy.
Where the Talent Comes From
The analysis records 72 World Cup appearances by California‑born players, 23 roster selections and a total of nine goals scored on the world stage.
Leading the individual rankings is Landon Donovan, a California native who tops the American list with 12 caps and five tournament goals.
New Jersey secures second place with 14 players who have accumulated 69 appearances, while Missouri follows in third with 13 participants and 40 caps.
The findings also underscore a geographic disparity: 27 states have never produced a World Cup player, and 40 states have yet to generate a goalscorer.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino is anticipated to announce his squad soon, with experts expecting at least four more California‑born athletes to earn inclusion.