Natalia Chi
The 2022 World Cup the knockout stage began with the United States men’s national team losing 3-1 to the Netherlands, sending the USMNT home in the round of 16 for the third time in each of the last three World Cup appearances.
It was a disappointing end for a rebuilt USA team hoping to make it past the round of 16 for the first time since 2002. Using the second youngest team in the tournament, the Americans achieved the bare minimum to consider the World Cup a success, by beating Iran in the group stage final they reach the knockout stage.
“When you go up against a team with that much quality and you give them three, four chances, they’re going to put away three or four,” said USA captain Tyler Adams. “We can show that we can be with some of the best teams in the world, some of the best players in the world, and that’s great progress for US soccer. We’re moving in the right direction, for sure, but we have to keep pushing, because we’re not there yet. But we’re close.”
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The Netherlands will play next Friday at the Lusail Stadium, venue of this year’s final.
The Americans kick off the 2026 cycle with a game against Serbia on Jan. 25 in Los Angeles and face Colombia three days later in Carson, California. The games are not on FIFA dates, which means that mostly Major League Soccer players will be used.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
LINK: Get updates and more about the 2022 World Cup at foxsports.com.
