Soccer
United States has nothing to be ashamed of even in defeat
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Who likes to lose? Raise your hand.
No one from the United States Men's Soccer Team is doing that after coming up short on Monday against Belgium, 4-1, in the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Losing is a part of sports. It happens. There's no shame in it whatsoever.
While it may take a while to sink in, this U.S. team has nothing to be ashamed of in the slightest. Yes, it is the fourth time in the last five World Cups that the United States has lost at this stage of the World Cup. This 2026 felt different.
The vibe felt different from what it did in 1994 when the World Cup was played in the U.S. Fans were more invested than they were 32 years ago because soccer has become more accepted in this country, the MLS has grown to become a world-class league, and more kids are playing the game.
This men's team showed plenty of passion, desire, excitement, and the will to win that captured the hearts of a nation. That's never happened in the United States before due to the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL ruling the roost. Soccer would be right below that in a distant fifth. But at least it's in the conversation and isn't considered just a sport that people watch every four years.
You can see the improvement under coach Mauricio Pochettino. They have more heart and passion. Their talent is better than it was four years ago, led by Folarin Balogun. This team is headed in the right direction. The sky is the limit.
The U.S. did come up short today. But they are better equipped to make a serious run, and in four years, the world better watch out because the U.S. is coming and coming with a vengeance.
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