A Heartfelt Thank You from U.S. Soccer
The U.S. men's soccer team's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign may have concluded on a disappointing note, but the United States Soccer Federation is overflowing with gratitude for the unwavering support the team received throughout its journey to the round of 16.
A Message of Appreciation
In a statement released in both English and Spanish, a day after the team's elimination, the federation conveyed its deepest appreciation to American fans for their role in the team's World Cup experience. The statement read, 'When we asked, ‘why not us?’ you answered. You filled stadiums. You brought the game into your homes, bars, parks and communities across the country. Every time our players stepped onto the field, they carried your support with them. Wearing the crest is a privilege, and hearing your voices throughout this tournament is something we will never forget.'
Historic Performance and Future Ambitions
This World Cup, the first to be hosted in the United States since 1994, saw the U.S. achieve one of its best tournament performances, winning three matches for the first time in its history and claiming the top spot in Group D, followed by a victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32. However, the team's journey ended with a familiar outcome - a round of 16 loss, this time to Belgium, extending the wait to reach the quarterfinals since 2002.
Looking ahead, the federation emphasized its commitment to learning from this experience and striving for improvement. As stated, 'We will learn from this, the federation wrote. We will get better to compete with the world's best. And we will keep doing the work because that's what this team and this country expects of us.'
A Lasting Impact on American Soccer
The U.S. team's World Cup run not only united fans across the nation but also set new viewership records for soccer in the country. The federation acknowledged the high turnout at viewing parties, public spaces, and the significant viewership numbers for the team's matches on FOX.
The bond between the fans and the team was a highlight of the tournament, symbolized by the team anthem. The federation's statement concluded with a nod to this anthem, closing with the words, 'Country roads, take us home. We'll see you there.'
