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