USMNT Alums Reflect On 2026 World Cup Run

While the USA's World Cup run ended in difficult fashion on Monday night in Seattle, former national team players noted that there are plenty of positives to take away from this tournament. Belgium knocked the U.S. out with an impressive performance that ended with a 4-1 win. The Americans conceded in the ninth minute. Malik Tillman scored from another free kick in the 31st minute, and then, less than two minutes later, Belgium struck back. USA never came out of its stupor after that, with a down performance that coach Mauricio Pochettino believes falls on him. The run ends on a down note, but it shouldn't be all doom and gloom for the future of U.S. soccer. The Americans won Group D and delivered a memorable performance in the round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina. That knockout-stage match clearly captivated the nation, with more than 27 million people tuning in for the victory on July 1. "You can't get away from talk shows talking about soccer, the U.S. men's national team, talking about these individuals and how brilliant they've been," former USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan said on "World Cup NOW" from Seattle Stadium after the defeat. "On the day, it's disappointing, but overall, they should be extremely proud of what they've been able to do." "I'm really proud of the inspiration that they gave the United States and a lot of young kids out there and a lot of fans," former U.S. midfielder Sacha Kljestan said, "that casual sports fan that locked in on this team and was so excited to watch them play. That was special." This was the second time in U.S. soccer history that the team won a game in the knockout stage, although it has still only reached one quarterfinal since 1930. While the crew of former players acknowledged that there will be frustration and disappointment after this defeat, this will be a positive for U.S. soccer over the long haul. "The bigger picture still exists," Edu said. "What I would say to this group of players is hold your head up, right? Yeah, it’s difficult right now in this moment. It’s difficult, of course, because of the circumstances, but hold your head high and don’t for a second stop dreaming, stop daring yourself to be the best version of this national team that we’ve ever seen. Don’t, for a second, ever, question what your ability is and what the standard is." Many players who started for the U.S. compete in some of the top leagues in the world. Midfielder Weston McKennie and winger Christian Pulisic play in Italy's Serie A; midfielder Malik Tillman plays in the German Bundesliga; striker Folarin Balogun is in France's Ligue 1; defender Alex Freeman moved to La Liga in Spain back in January; and defenders Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson are both in the English Premier League. The performances that this U.S. men's national team put together will no doubt have raised some eyebrows across the world. Edu added: "It’s a global perspective that’s looking at this country, looking at us saying, ‘Yeah, they seem to have something. That country is producing players. They’re not scared of the moment, they’re ready for the moment, and they’re going to win a World Cup soon.’"

If you're looking for an epic Golden Boot race, we've got you. If you want the defending champs and a GOAT trying to outrun Father Time, it's there too. And if you want pure starpower, fear not: the 2026 World Cup has already delivered, and we're not even to the quarterfinals. An eye-popping 48 players out of our Top 100 are still in action as we wind down the round of 16. The winners of Colombia-Switzerland and Argentina-Egypt will close out the bracket, and as the action tightens up, the best of the best will clash as the stakes get even higher. France has 13 Top 100 players. Spain has double digits still in action. And Argentina has, well, Messi (along with other superstars of its own). Get caught up with the best of the best as we get closer to seeing who will lift the World Cup trophy. *The rankings reflected are from our pre-tournament Top 100. Age: 23Club team: Paris Saint-Germain (France) Age: 28Club team: Manchester United (England) Age: 28Club team: Inter Milan (Italy) Age: 29Club team: Real Sociedad (Spain) Age: 27Club team: Arsenal (England) Age: 29Club team: Arsenal (England) Age: 30Club team: Paris Saint-Germain (France) Age: 25Club team: Manchester City (England) Age: 26Club team: Chelsea (England) Age: 27Club team: Barcelona (Spain) Koundé will likely start at right back for the French, who are among the favorites this summer. He has made at least 40 appearances in each of the last four seasons for Barcelona. Age: 27Club team: Barcelona (Spain) Age: 27Club team: Liverpool (England) Age: 30Club team: AC Milan (Italy) Age: 25Club team: Arsenal (England) Age: 19Club team: Barcelona (Spain) Age: 26Club team: Liverpool (England) Age: 33Club team: Liverpool (England) Age: 27Club team: Arsenal (England) Age: 25Club team: Chelsea (England) Age: 23Club team: Athletic Club Bilbao (Spain) Age: 27Club team: Arsenal (England) Age: 27Club team: Chelsea (England) Age: 33Club team: Aston Villa (England) Age: 34Club team: Real Madrid (Spain) Age: 35Club team: Fenerbahçe (Türkiye) Age: 22Club team: Manchester City (England) Age: 23Club team: Manchester City (England) Age: 20Club team: Paris Saint-Germain (France) Age: 34Club team: Napoli (Italy) Age: 24Club team: Chelsea (England) Age: 24Club team: Arsenal (England) Age: 28Club team: Inter Milan (Italy) Age: 26Club team: Real Madrid (Spain) Age: 29Club team: Bayern Munich (Germany) Age: 27Club team: Arsenal (England) Age: 22Club team: Real Madrid (Spain) Age: 39Club team: Inter Miami (USA) Age: 29Club team: Manchester City (England) Age: 26Club team: Atlético Madrid (Spain) Age: 23Club team: Barcelona (Spain) Age: 27Club team: Paris Saint-Germain (France) Age: 25Club team: Manchester City (England) Age: 24Club team: Bayern Munich (Germany) Age: 28Club team: Paris Saint-Germain (France) Age: 32Club team: Bayern Munich (Germany) Age: 27Club team: Real Madrid (Spain) Age: 18Club team: Barcelona (Spain) trojkonferencja2024.pl

"Bear Bets" are real wagers that Chris "The Bear" Fallica is actually making. How will Argentina bounce back after that exhausting Round of 32 win over Cape Verde? We'll find out Tuesday. Here's how I'm wagering on Match Day 27. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. World Cup Best Bets — Tuesday, July 7 Argentina vs. Egypt I can’t see a world where Argentina does not win this in 90 minutes. Sure, it has to quickly bounce back from an emotional win in the heat and humidity against a magical Cape Verde team, but Egypt defensively is a mess. Expect Argentina to score early and get one from the spot to seal the deal. Switzerland vs. Colombia I think Switzerland has a chance to advance here. Every Colombia game has been tight, including the Uzbekistan match, in which it fell behind and then scored very late to win by two. Switzerland totally outplayed Qatar in the opener but allowed a late goal to tie. Since then, the Swiss have scored eight goals in three matches, getting contributions from all of their key players, including Johan Manzambi, who has been the best young player in the tourney. Not the worst idea to maybe take a piece of Switzerland to advance either.