The United States men's national soccer team's departure from the World Cup has drawn sharp criticism from former players and Fox analysts Alexi Lalas and Carli Lloyd, who described the exit as "disappointing" and leaving "something on the table."

The U.S. squad was eliminated in the Round of 16 after a 4-1 defeat to Belgium. Lalas, a former U.S. international, stated that while the team had won over fans during the tournament, the time for "moral victories" has passed for the program.

"We’ve left something on the table here, and that to me is disappointing," Lalas said after the match. "The goals that they gave up at times were self-inflicted against a better team, but this U.S. team has beaten better teams in the past."

During the match, the U.S. struggled to gain momentum. Belgium took an early lead and maintained control throughout the game. Even after the U.S. managed to equalize, Belgium quickly reasserted its lead.

Lloyd, a two-time Women's World Cup champion, suggested the team appeared hesitant and lacked confidence from the outset. "I just felt like they lost the game before they even stepped out onto the pitch," Lloyd commented on the Fox broadcast. "I’m not sure why, and I don’t know the reasons, but from the beginning, just chasing, tentative. Scared, just not confident on the ball and I think big-time players – you wanted some of those big-time players to step up in big moments."

Lloyd specifically addressed Christian Pulisic's performance, noting a lack of impactful play throughout the tournament and in the final match. "I was a bit disappointed with Christian Pulisic. I think, whether he wants to be the star of this team or not, we didn’t see enough from him in this particular game," Lloyd said. "And really the whole World Cup. Little glimpses here and there."

Pulisic reportedly lost possession 11 times in 45 minutes of play, and a video circulating online showed his subdued reaction to Belgium's third goal.

The focus now shifts to the future of the U.S. men's national team program as the sting of this latest World Cup exit subsides.