FOX Sports announcer questions Team USA’s game plan in World Cup loss
FOX Sports FIFA World Cup commentator Tyler Terens dissects 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 ‘wrong’. He emphasizes the disappointing result in what was a home tournament for the USMNT.
NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
It wasn’t the ending Team USA wanted in its Round of 16 loss to Belgium, but one former FIFA World Cup champion believes the collective work this team did on home soil should be celebrated.
In fact, he wouldn’t be shocked four years from now, when the new World Cup tournament begins, if we see the USMNT make it to its first-ever final.
Christian Karembeu, the French legend who helped the country lift the World Cup trophy in 1998, said “like Europeans”, and as a footballer himself, the USA surprised him in this tournament.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Christian Karembeu is introduced to the crowd during the FIFA World Cup 26 Trophy Tour on May 21, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Isaiah Vazquez – FIFA)
“They surprised us. Nobody expected them to play like that,” Karembeu told Pakinomist Digital while also discussing his partnership with Coca-Cola and FIFA for their “Every Throw-In Counts” initiative. “With speed, with possession at times, and also the talent you have now.
“I think [head coach Mauricio] Pochettino has done a great job and you have to be proud of Team USA because we didn’t expect that.”
LANDON DONOVAN RECALLS LIFE-CHANGING WORLD CUP MOMENT AMID PLAYERS’ ‘RESPONSIBILITY’ FOR DEVELOPMENT OF GAME IN USA
The entire country rallied behind one of the three host nations, as Mexico and Canada also led the way in hospitality. Karembeu, who participated in the 1994 World Cup when it was on American soil, has been delighted with what he called a “successful” tournament so far.
But the 4-1 loss to Belgium, in which the USMNT had some key mistakes that led to goals, put a damper on the three wins the U.S. was able to achieve in the tournament, including the round-of-32 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Karembeu believes the loss to Belgium should serve as a lesson for the US as it looks ahead to 2030.
Christian Pulisic of the United States is comforted by Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the United States, after being substituted during the FIFA World Cup 2026 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 through Pochettino, Team USA 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’re going to Morocco, Portugal and Spain – Team USA might go to the finals. Because now they’ve seen what was missing maybe, but I think it was more a lack of experience. Otherwise, they have the potential.”
Before the Belgium game, the USMNT made headlines around the world after FIFA decided to invoke Article 27 of its disciplinary code and suspend the red card Folarin Balogun received in the 32nd round, which allowed him to play against Belgium. Many were outraged, including the Belgian Football Association, which issued a scathing statement about the situation.
TRUMP CALLED FIFA PRESIDENT TO REVIEW Folarin BALOGUN’S RED CARD BEFORE USA-BELGIUM MATCH, SOURCE SAYS
Even President Donald Trump got involved, calling close friend and FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask for a review of the red card.
Some argued that it might have distracted the US from focusing on the match, but no excuses were given. Pochettino and many others acknowledged their lack of effort and precision in the biggest moment of the tournament.
But again, Karembeu is looking at the USMNT with a glass half full.
“I think you have to focus on the overall result and what they achieved before that. We have to be very focused on what they delivered,” he said.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker stands with Christian Karembeu and the World Cup trophy during the FIFA World Cup 26 Trophy Tour on May 21, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Isaiah Vazquez – FIFA)
The U.S. could have the opportunity to make Karembeu’s prediction come true, but they will only have to qualify for the World Cup now after earning an automatic bid to host.
EVERY INVITATION COUNTS AT THE WC
Karembeu can’t get enough of Coca-Cola and FIFA’s new fan challenge this World Cup, where “Every Throw-In Counts” gives fans a way to participate in the tournament beyond what goes down on the pitch.
Blending football, lifestyle and community care activities, the initiative encourages fans across the globe to complete simple everyday activities, upload photos and score “goals” for chances to win exclusive prizes. From recycling to using public transport, to choosing recyclable items, more than 5,000 fans and 34,000 goals have been tallied to date. And there are still more games to play.
Spain’s Lamine Yamal stars in Coca-Cola and FIFA’s joint initiative, “Every Throw-In Counts”, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Coca-Cola/FIFA)
“It’s great. It’s fun, simple,” Karembeu said. “Fans are embracing it because it’s simple. They can play with it with their families. It’s just perfect for everyone.
“I think this is a lesson and model for everyone. Therefore, when you have this great platform for the World Cup tournament, it is good to share this initiative with the fans. To be responsible and to be sustainable.”
