Freese: USMNT World Cup Criticism 'Hurts My Heart'
Get the Culture newsletter
Daily culture — film, music, books, the trends and ideas worth your attention. Free.
- Matt Freese said criticism of the USMNT after their 4-1 elimination loss to Belgium at the 2026 World Cup 'hurts my heart,' arguing outsiders don't see how much the players wanted to win
- Freese described the post-elimination moments as 'disbelief' and 'devastating,' specifically mourning not getting to play John Denver's 'Country Roads, Take Me Home' for fans again
- The USMNT had topped Group D with two wins and one loss before defeating Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 in the round of 16, only to fall 4-1 to Belgium, fueling narratives that the team lacked heart and determination
- Freese said every player on the roster will use the elimination as fuel to improve and 'come back better,' with his first chance coming when he returns to New York City FC on July 22
- Mauricio Pochettino's contract with U.S. Soccer expired after the 2026 tournament, but Freese voiced strong support for his retention, saying the coach 'succeeded in getting this team and this country to believe'
- Pochettino and U.S. Soccer have had positive talks about a possible contract extension, per sources previously confirmed to ESPN, though no deal is finalized
Why it matters: The USMNT's early exit from a home World Cup — hosted on American soil in 2026 — created a credibility problem for the program and its federation. With Pochettino's deal expired and contract talks reportedly positive, U.S. Soccer faces a decision in the coming months on whether to retain the Argentine coach ahead of the 2030 cycle, while players like Freese publicly shoulder the burden of repairing fan trust.
