USA soccer's 2026 World Cup run ends: Here's USMNT round of 16 history

Jul 07, 2026 - 03:20

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It has been 24 years since the United States made it to the quarterfinals of the World Cup. And they will have to wait even longer to return.

The USMNT's run as a co-host of the 2026 World Cup is over after losing to Belgium 1-4 in the round of 16 on Monday, July 6 at Lumen Field in Seattle.

There were high expectations for the team, which was led by three goals from Folarin Balogun, and had Christian Pulisic at the helm.

Despite being eliminated earlier than many hoped, the United States still made history. They won a knockout game and their group.

Here's more about the USMNT's journey in the 2026 World Cup:

Who was the star of the United States' 2026 World Cup run?

Folarin Balogun was the United States' leading scorer with three goals in the 2026 World Cup. He had a brace with two goals in the 4-1 win over Paraguay. He then added a goal in the round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, which finished 2-0.

Balogun was booked for a red card during the knockout match and, per tournament rules, was expected to miss the ensuing round of 16 match against Belgium. But FIFA reviewed the red card and it was rescinded, allowing him to play.

What was the United States' journey in the 2026 World Cup?

The USMNT was one of three co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup. They made it to the round of 16, where they were knocked out by Belgium.

4-1 win over Paraguay in group play
2-0 win over Australia in group play
3-2 loss to Turkey in group play
2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in round of 32
4-1 loss to Belgium in round of 16

Who is the winningest coach in USMNT World Cup history?

Mauricio Pochettino became the winningest manager for the United States men's national team in the World Cup when he won three games in the 2026 tournament. The side won two matches in group play and then beat Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 16.

He passed Bruce Arena and Robert Millar, who each had two wins.

When was the last time the United States made it to the World Cup quarterfinals?

The United States men's national team made it to the World Cup quarterfinals in 2002. They beat Mexico 2-0 in the round of 16 with a goal each from Landon Donovan and Brian McBride.

They then lost to Germany 1-0 and haven't been back to the quarterfinals since.

What is the United States' record in the World Cup round of 16?

With the loss to Belgium, the United States is now 1-5 in the World Cup round of 16.

Has the USMNT ever won more than one knockout game in a World Cup?

No, the United States has never won more than one knockout match in a single World Cup.

There was an added round of 32 in the 2026 World Cup, which gave the team an extra opportunity for a win, but they only won their round of 32 game and were knocked out in the round of 16.

What is the United States' best finish at the men's World Cup?

The USMNT finished third in the 1930 World Cup, the first World Cup. They lost to Argentina 6-1 in the semifinals and finished third based on overall record.

When did the United States win their group in the World Cup?

The United States men's national team has won their group three times in the World Cup.

They won Group D in the 2026 World Cup. This was the first time since 2010 that they won their group.

They did so with wins over Paraguay and Australia. They had already locked up the group when they lost to Turkey in the group stage finale.

They also won their three-team group in the first World Cup back in 1930.

Who has scored the most World Cup goals for the USMNT?

Landon Donovan has scored the most World Cup goals for the United States men's national team. He scored five goals in two tournaments, the 2002 and 2010 World Cups. He also played in the 2006 tournament, but did not score.