Is the World Cup 2026 a success for the USA? Alexi Lalas: It's over

Is the World Cup 2026 a success for the USA? Alexi Lalas: The

is over

According to Foxsports.

Context

Folarin Balogun, who emerged as the United States' main striker, gave hope for the future of the USMNT. His performance underscored the team's potential to keep up with the top footballing nations, which is important for their season outlook and preparations for the World Cup 2026.

Why it matters

The United States' loss to Belgium in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup highlighted the challenges the USMNT faces on the international stage. Despite positive aspects such as the emergence of Folarin Balogun, the defeat provided an opportunity for a deeper analysis of their progress and expectations for the future, especially in the World Cup 2030.

Key Points

• Is the World Cup 2026 a success for the USA? Alexi Lalas: It's over.
• After Belgium defeated the United States, 4-1, in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, Alexi Lalas insisted that the era of "moral victories" is over for the USMNT despite positive achievements such as the emergence of Folarin Balogun.
• Was The 2026 World Cup A Success For USA? | FOX Sports.

Another World Cup passed and another Round of 16 ended for the United States, defeated by familiar rivals Belgium, 4-1, at Dallas Stadium. This time, it wasn't like the painful extra-time exit in 2014; instead, a crushing defeat on home soil—and a result that supporters and players are sure to carry with them all the way to the next World Cup in 2030. The campaign is not all negative. The United States recorded its most wins in a single edition of the tournament, an important sign of progress. Folarin Balogun also emerged as the main striker of the team, and the country re-united with the national team that awakened the belief of many. However, for U.S. Soccer Hall of Famer and FOX Sports analyst Alexi Lalas, this group has left something unfulfilled. "Whenever something like this happens, the question is always: 'Is this a success?'" Lalas said after the match. "I believe this group brought more people to our program and they should be proud of that. But the era of 'moral victories' is over. We left something on the table, and that's disappointing."

Tactically, Belgium effectively limited the United States to just seven shots—the same number of shots on target as Belgium did in the entire match. Belgium's total went to 15, including 10 inside the USA box. "Belgium deserves to be congratulated for showing courage in this environment," added Lalas. "From USA's perspective, it was the worst time to play the worst game. I think coach Mauricio Pochettino and the players would agree on that." Lalas also emphasized that the line of development is not straight. "We have grown enough as a country in football for us to be content with 'moral victories.' I am fed up with 'moral victories,'" he said. However, he insists the grudge is temporary. "Give me tonight to be disappointed. Tomorrow, I'll be fine. I'll still make these kids proud and we'll still push that rock up—we love what we do, but it's still work." Lalas admitted that the loss was more painful because of the way it was depleted: there were goals he said were "self-inflicted" against stronger opponents, and while the USA has proven it can beat better teams in the past, it didn't happen today. "It's disappointing not just the loss, but how it happened—more of a whisper than the buzz we showed in the tournament," he said. As the co-host of the 2026 World Cup, expectations are very high for the United States, especially with the tournament's broader format. As a result, the call for a thorough review is intensifying—from defending in the box, managing emotions in knockout football, to being more clinical in front of goal. The foundations are already there: the rise of Balogun, the greater string of wins, and the solid support of the home crowd. But Lalas' message is clear—a moral victory is no longer enough. Looking ahead to 2030, it is a challenge for Pochettino and the entire program to turn the lessons of this defeat into concrete results.

What's next

Looking to the future, the USMNT must focus on improving their tactics and building a stronger team for the next World Cup. Supporters and players hope that the experience from the World Cup 2026 will form the basis of a more successful campaign in the coming years, while continuing to strengthen their connection with the fans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score of the match between the United States and Belgium?

Belgium defeated the United States with a score of 4-1.

What effect will the match have on the United States' World Cup 2026 standings?

The United States' loss in the Round of 16 resulted in an early exit from the tournament, which supporters and players will surely carry over until the next World Cu p in 2030.

What will the United States play next after the 2026 World Cup?

There is no specific next match scheduled for the United States after the 2026 World Cup, but their next goal is the 2030 World Cup.

Who is the United States' main striker at the 2026 World Cup?

Folarin Balogun has emerged as the main striker for the United States at the 2026 World Cup.

What did Alexi Lalas say about the United States campaign?

Alexi Lalas said there are 'moral victories' to be proud of, but this group has left something unfulfilled.

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