USA exit World Cup 1-4 to Belgium — media slam "wasted opportunity" and political backdrop

The United States were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup on 6 July after a crushing 4-1 defeat to Belgium. American media reacted harshly, labelling the exit a "wasted opportunity" for the co-hosting nation. Coverage was also coloured by an uncomfortable political backdrop linked to Donald Trump, which U.S. outlets wove into their match reporting.