LA Galaxy coach Greg Vanney says Team USA was 'too naive,' explains Christian Pulisic's struggles

Dan Dakich shares why he can't stand Christian Pulisic after this year's World Cup exit.

CARSON, Calif. — On a hot Thursday in Carson at Dignity Health Sports Park, LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney stood on the practice field answering questions.

When we asked about Team USA's World Cup exit just days earlier, Vanney pointed to one problem: the Americans were too naive.

Later that afternoon, Belgium, fresh off eliminating the United States, was scheduled to train at Dignity Health Sports Park ahead of Friday's World Cup quarterfinal against Spain, prompting heightened security around the Galaxy's training complex.

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LA Galaxy coach Greg Vanney shares blunt assessment of Team USA's World Cup exit and Christian Pulisic's struggles. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) ((Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images))

"Collectively, the team entered that final match entirely too naive from top to bottom," Vanney said.

"It immediately put us on our heels. Against world-class opponents, it is incredibly difficult to recover your rhythm once you fall behind like that. We have to be less naive in a World Cup knockout setting."

The Galaxy coach expanded on why Team USA fell short, why Christian Pulisic never found his footing and what North American soccer must change before the next World Cup.

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We also asked Vanney about Christian Pulisic, whose World Cup never fully got off the ground.

Christian Pulisic of the United States walks off the pitch after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match