Following their elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the United States Soccer Federation issued a statement thanking American fans for their significant support throughout the tournament. The team reached the round of 16, marking one of its best performances in a men's World Cup hosted in the United States.
The federation highlighted the widespread fan engagement, noting packed stadiums, viewing parties in homes, bars, and parks across the country. "When we asked, ‘why not us?’ you answered," the statement read. "Every time our players stepped onto the field, they carried your support with them. Wearing the crest is a privilege, and hearing your voices throughout this tournament is something we will never forget."
The U.S. men's national team achieved a historic milestone by winning three matches in a single men's World Cup for the first time. They also topped their group before securing a victory in the round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, the tournament concluded with a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16, extending a streak of three consecutive World Cup appearances ending at this stage.
The federation acknowledged the need for continued development, stating, "We will learn from this. We will get better to compete with the world's best. And we will keep doing the work because that's what this team and this country expects of us."
Beyond on-field performance, the team's World Cup participation generated record enthusiasm for soccer nationwide. Viewership for the U.S. team's matches on FOX also set new records. The federation concluded its statement with a nod to the team's anthem, "Country roads, take us home. We'll see you there."