U.S. soccer player exits World Cup match with injury

A U.S. men's soccer player left Monday's World Cup elimination match against Belgium after reporting a knee and ankle injury. The player had already missed one group-stage game due to a calf injury. He exited the 4-1 loss in the 59th minute.

Performance and comments The player recorded no goals, two shots on target, and one assist during the tournament. After the match, the player told the Fox broadcast that the exit was frustrating but would allow time to rest.

U.S. men's and women's teams posted criticism on social media and in podcasts. One former women's player wrote on X that the player rested the entire tournament. A former men's goalkeeper said the player is the team's best player but noted three of the last seven World Cup appearances ended in injury. Another former player said the player has scored one goal since December.

Tournament context The U.S. team was the last of the three host nations eliminated. Canada and Mexico exited earlier in the round of 16. The tournament continues with a quarterfinal between France and Morocco on Thursday.