FOX Sports announcer questions Team USA’s game plan in World Cup loss
FOX Sports FIFA World Cup announcer Tyler Terens breaks down Team USA’s surprising 4-1 World Cup loss to Belgium. Terens questions the tactical approach, highlighting the team’s lack of aggression and suggesting the game plan was “bad”. He highlights the disappointing result in what was a home tournament for the USMNT.
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It wasn’t the ending Team USA wanted in the Round of 16 loss to Belgium, but one former FIFA World Cup champion believes the collective work this team accomplished at home should be celebrated.
In fact, four years from now, when the new World Cup begins, it wouldn’t be shocked if we saw the USMNT fight their way to their first ever final.
Christian Karembeu, the French legend who helped the country win the World Cup trophy in 1998, said that “as Europeans”, and as a footballer himself, the United States surprised him in this tournament.
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Christian Karembeu is introduced to the crowd during the FIFA 26 World Cup Trophy Tour on May 21, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Isaïe Vazquez – FIFA)
“They surprised us. Nobody expected them to be able to play like that,” Karembeu told PK Press Club Digital, while also discussing his partnership with Coca-Cola and FIFA for their Every Throw Counts initiative. “With speed, with possession sometimes, and also with the talent you have now.
“I think [head coach Mauricio] Pochettino did a great job and you should be proud of Team USA because we didn’t expect this. »
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The entire country rallied around one of the three host countries, with Mexico and Canada also leading the way in hospitality. Karembeu, who participated in the 1994 World Cup when it was held on American soil, was fascinated by what he called a “successful” tournament so far.
But the 4-1 loss to Belgium, which saw some key mistakes from the USMNT that led to goals, put a damper on the three wins the United States managed to achieve in the tournament, including the round of 16 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Karembeu believes the defeat against Belgium should serve as a lesson to the United States as they look towards 2030.
American Christian Pulisic is consoled by Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the United States, after being substituted during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (John Dorton/USSF/Getty Images)
“We learn every time, every day, every year. I think that thanks to Pochettino, the American team has improved a lot,” he explained. “That’s why I said I don’t think it will be surprising in the next four years – they will be in Morocco, Portugal and Spain – maybe the American team will go to the final. Because now they may have seen what was missing, but I think it was more a lack of experience. Otherwise, they have potential.”
Before the match against Belgium, the USMNT made headlines around the world after FIFA decided to invoke Article 27 of its disciplinary code and suspend the red card received by Folarin Balogun in the round of 16, which allowed him to play against Belgium. Many were furious, including the Belgian Football Federation, which issued a scathing statement on the situation.
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Even President Donald Trump got involved, calling his close friend and FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask for a red card review.
Some argued that this might have distracted the United States from focusing on the match, but no excuses were made. Pochettino and many others admitted their lack of effort and precision in the biggest moment of the tournament.
But once again, Karembeu looks at the USMNT with a glass half full.
“I think we have to focus on the collective result and what they have achieved before that. We have to be very focused on what they have delivered,” he said.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker stands with Christian Karembeu and the World Cup trophy during the FIFA 26 World Cup Trophy Tour on May 21, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Isaïe Vazquez – FIFA)
The United States could have the opportunity to fulfill Karembeu’s prediction, but they must first qualify for the World Cup after securing an automatic bid to become the host nation.
EVERY PLAY COUNTS AT THE WORLD CUP
Karembeu can’t get enough of Coca-Cola and the new challenge to FIFA fans at this World Cup, where “Every Throw-In Counts” gives fans a way to participate in the tournament beyond what happens on the pitch.
With a mix of football, lifestyle and community care activities, the initiative encourages fans around the world to complete simple, everyday activities, upload photos and score ‘goals’ for a chance to win exclusive prizes. From recycling to using public transport, to choosing reusable items, more than 5,000 fans and 34,000 goals have been recorded to date. And there are still other games to play.
Spain’s Lamine Yamal stars in Coca-Cola and FIFA’s joint initiative, ‘Every throw-in counts’, at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Coca-Cola/FIFA)
“It’s great. It’s fun, simple,” Karembeu said. “Fans like it because it’s simple. They can play it with their family. It’s just perfect for everyone.
“I think it’s a lesson and a model for everyone. So when you have this great platform for the World Cup, it’s good to share this initiative with the fans. To be responsible and sustainable.”
