The U.S. Men's National Team concluded their World Cup campaign with an embarrassing 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16. The morning after the defeat did little to soften the sting of the elimination, amplifying the disappointment among players and fans.
A review of the 26 players on the roster, along with manager Mauricio Pochettino, revealed largely disappointing performances. Christian Pulisic received a D-plus, noted for being electric in the first half against Paraguay but largely ineffective throughout the rest of the tournament due to injuries. Critiques also pointed to a perceived lack of visible care for the national team, with his comments after the Belgium loss suggesting a focus on rest rather than reflecting on the tournament exit, which reportedly provoked public outrage.