Fifa World Cup: US shortcomings exposed, but there is reason to have hope for 2026
- Despite their loss to Netherlands, the US World Cup team gave Americans plenty of reason for celebration and optimism
- The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico
That youthful exuberance, speed and American never-say-die attitude weren’t enough for the US World Cup team on Saturday. The plucky Americans were eliminated, 3-1, in the Round of 16 by a bigger, more experienced, patient and clinical Netherlands team.
Team USA started the game strong, dominated possession from start to finish, outshot the Dutch 17-11 and had eight shots on goal. The Netherlands had just six shots on frame but converted half of them.
The first, a beautiful finish by Memphis Depay in the 10th minute. Then came the gut punch by Daley Blind just before the first half whistle; and then, just when it seemed the Americans had a fighting chance after a 76th-minute goal by Haji Wright, the door slammed shut with Denzel Dumfries’ 81st-minute blast.
There was chatter heading into Saturday’s game that the Dutch were overrated, that they were a boring team that got through an easy group in underwhelming fashion. But there are no points for style at the World Cup. If there were, Brazil would win every trophy.
The goal is winning and advancing, and the Dutch have done that. Netherlands reached the final of the 2010 World Cup before losing to Spain. It is no accident that they are riding a 19-game unbeaten streak. They had a smart game plan against the Americans.