Disappointment turned to anger among United States fans on Monday night following the team's World Cup exit, with many taking to social media to criticize the players' performance after a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16.
Social media users described the team's effort as 'pathetic,' 'embarrassing,' and 'gross,' expressing frustration with the way the United States concluded their tournament. One user wrote, "The team didn't get off the bus tonight. 11 guys (with moments of exceptions from about 3 of them) who could not handle the moment in any capacity whatsoever. Pathetic effort."
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy was among the prominent voices expressing his dissatisfaction. In a series of posts on X, formerly Twitter, Portnoy stated, "I don't want to hear that the future is bright for American soccer. That they should be proud. That was a disgusting effort. We're far closer to the bottom than the top. Just not a soccer country." He added that the "Lights were way too bright for US soccer team. Stage way too big." In one post, Portnoy referred to the team as a "clown show" and shared a video of himself tearing off his shirt.
Fans watching at watch parties across the country were left devastated by the result. The match saw Charles De Ketelaere score twice for Belgium, with Matt Freese's goalkeeping error contributing to Hans Vanaken's goal. Romelu Lukaku added a fourth goal in injury time.
The loss marks the end of the road for coach Mauricio Pochettino and his team in the tournament. Pochettino, whose contract is nearing its end, indicated that he would take time to rest and have conversations with the Federation regarding his future. "I'm so happy, we built a very good relationship. Now is not the moment to talk about that," he said following the match.
On the FOX broadcast, former USWNT player Carli Lloyd commented on the team's tentative play, stating, "I just felt like they lost the game before they even stepped out onto the pitch." She added that players needed to step up in big moments, and that "we didn't see enough from him [Christian Pulisic] in this particular game. And really the whole World Cup."
Alexi Lalas, another former USMNT player, suggested that the team "left something on the table" during the tournament. "There's a part of me that says the time for moral victories is over," Lalas said. "We've left something on the table here, and that to me is disappointing."
Christian Pulisic also faced criticism on social media, with one user suggesting it was "time for Pulisic to give up the Captain America moniker." The AC Milan player appeared emotional on the bench late in the game.
The team's exit was preceded by a controversy involving former President Donald Trump, who reportedly contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to appeal a red card suspension for player Folarin Balogun. Balogun was subsequently allowed to play in the Round of 16 match. While the team itself did not request Trump's intervention, the incident drew criticism from opposing teams and fans, with comments from Iran and Belgium referencing the situation.
Fans gathered to watch the match in Seattle, where the team ultimately fell short. The match concluded the United States' World Cup campaign, leaving many supporters disheartened by the performance.