FOX Sports Announcer Questions Team USA’s Game Plan in World Cup Loss
FOX Sports’ FIFA World Cup broadcaster Tyler Terens breaks down Team USA’s surprising 4-1 World Cup loss to Belgium. Terens questions the tactical approach, highlighting the team’s lack of aggressiveness and suggesting the game plan was “wrong.” The disappointing result in what was a local tournament for the USMNT stands out.
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It wasn’t the ending Team USA wanted in the round of 16 loss to Belgium, but one former FIFA World Cup champion believes the collective work this team did at home should be celebrated.
In fact, four years from now, when the new World Cup begins, you wouldn’t be surprised to see the USMNT reach its first final.
Christian Karembeu, the French legend who helped the country lift the World Cup trophy in 1998, said that “as Europeans” and as a soccer player, the United States surprised him in this tournament.
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Christian Karembeu is presented to the crowd during the 26th FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour on May 21, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Isaías Vázquez – FIFA)
“They surprised us. Nobody expected them to be able to play like this,” Karembeu told Pak Gazette Digital, while talking about his partnership with Coca-Cola and FIFA for his “Every Throw-In Counts” initiative. “With speed, with possession at times and also with the talent you have now.
“Believe [head coach Mauricio] “Pochettino has done a great job and you have to be proud of the US team because we didn’t expect that.”
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The entire country joined one of the three host nations, with Mexico and Canada also leading the way in hospitality. Karembeu, who participated in the 1994 World Cup when it was held on American soil, has been enthralled by what he called a “successful” tournament so far.
But the 4-1 loss to Belgium, in which the USMNT made some key errors that led to goals, halted the United States’ three wins in the tournament, including the round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Karembeu believes the loss to Belgium should serve as a lesson for the United States heading into 2030.
Christian Pulisic of the United States is consoled by Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the United States, after being substituted during the 2026 FIFA World Cup 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 that through Pochettino, the United States team has improved a lot,” he explained. “That’s why I said I don’t think it’s a surprise in the next four years: they’ll be in Morocco, Portugal and Spain; the US team will maybe make it to the final. Because now they’ve seen what was maybe missing, but I think it was more of a lack of experience. Otherwise, they have 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 round of 32, allowing him to play against Belgium. Many were furious, including the Belgian Football Federation, which issued a scathing statement about the situation.
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Even President Donald Trump got involved, calling his close friend and FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask for a review of the red card.
Some argued that it might have distracted the United States from focusing on the game, but no excuses were made. Pochettino and many others acknowledged his lack of effort and precision at the most important moment of the tournament.
But again Karembeu looks at the USMNT with the glass half full.
“I think you have to focus on the collective result and what they achieved before that. We need to be very focused on what they achieved,” he said.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker with Christian Karembeu and the World Cup trophy during the 26th FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour on May 21, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Isaías Vázquez – FIFA)
The United States could have a chance to make Karembeu’s prediction come true, but it must first qualify for the World Cup after receiving an automatic bid to be the host country.
EVERY LOW COUNT COUNT IN THE WORLD CUP
Karembeu can’t get enough of Coca-Cola and the new challenge for FIFA fans during this World Cup, where “Every Throw-In Counts” gives fans a way to participate in the tournament beyond what happens on the field.
Combining football, lifestyle and community care activities, the initiative encourages fans around the world to complete simple everyday activities, upload photos and score ‘goals’ for a chance to win exclusive prizes. From recycling to the use of public transport, including choosing reusable items, to date more than 5,000 fans and 34,000 goals have been recorded. And there are still more games to play.
Spaniard Lamine Yamal stars in the joint Coca-Cola and FIFA initiative, “Every Throw-In Counts,” during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Coca-Cola/FIFA)
“It’s amazing. It’s fun, it’s simple,” Karembeu said. “Fans accept it because it’s simple. They can play with their families. It’s perfect for everyone.
“I think this is a lesson and a model for everyone. Therefore, when you have this great platform for the World Cup, it is good to share this initiative with the fans. Be responsible and sustainable.”
