USMNT reaches round of 16 at 2026 World Cup before 4-1 loss to Belgium

The United States men's national team lost 4-1 to Belgium in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup last week. " Ream said the performance was the "polar opposite" of the way the team had played up to that point. The USMNT had won back-to-back World Cup matches for the first time since 1930 by defeating Paraguay and Australia in the group stage.

It then beat Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32 while playing with 10 men for more than half an hour after top scorer Folarin Balogun was sent off. Christian Pulisic was forced off with a right ankle injury in the 59th minute against Belgium. The injury was his second of the tournament after he battled a calf issue following the first half against Paraguay.

Pulisic finished the World Cup without a goal and with one assist. Ream said no player had their best game and that everything that could go wrong did on the night. He added that the team had discussed how to inspire more people to love the sport and felt support grow throughout the tournament despite the exit.