The United States men's national team have been knocked out of the 2026 World Cup, losing 4-1 to Belgium in the round of 16 at Seattle Stadium, ending home hopes of a first-ever run to the quarter-finals. The heavy defeat has prompted a wave of dismay from American pundits and public figures, coming after a promising group stage — including a 4-1 win over Paraguay — that had raised expectations before the team faltered against stronger opposition.

Belgium, ranked 8th to the USA's 16th and boasting a more valuable squad featuring Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, Leandro Trossard and Jeremy Doku, were favourites going in. On Fox, former World Cup winner Carli Lloyd said the US looked "tentative" and "scared" and singled out Christian Pulisic for an underwhelming tournament, while Alexi Lalas declared the "time for moral victories is over". Barstool's Dave Portnoy called the team "embarrassing" and "not ready for primetime", and Bill Simmons was similarly downbeat. Commentators urged fans to keep watching the tournament despite the exit, with reference also made to a controversy involving player Florin Balogun and President Trump.