US eliminated by Belgium 4-1 in World Cup Round of 16
The United States men's national team was defeated 4-1 by Belgium, ending its 2026 World Cup campaign in the round of 16. Former players and media figures offered criticism of the performance.
The United States men's national team was knocked out of the 2026 World Cup after a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16. Belgium, ranked eighth by FIFA, entered the match as favorites over the 16th-ranked United States. Transfermarkt values placed Belgium's squad at roughly $626 million compared with about $441 million for the U.S. roster, and Belgium's lineup includes several players who have won major club titles.
Former U.S. women's World Cup champion Carli Lloyd said the team appeared “tentative, scared, just not confident on the ball” from the start and expressed disappointment with forward Christian Pulisic’s impact. Former U.S. international Alexi Lalas added that the team “left something on the table” and exited “with a whimper rather than a roar.”
Fox Sports commentator John Strong encouraged viewers to continue watching the tournament, noting that “this doesn’t have to be the last soccer you watch for the next four years.”
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy tweeted that U.S. Soccer is “not ready for primetime” and described the performance as “embarrassing.” Bill Simmons, on his podcast, rejected explanations involving external factors and said the team “sucked” and played “the worst” among the remaining 16-team field.
The defeat has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, reflecting disappointment among American fans.