Through a message on their official social media channels, the US Soccer demonstrated their support for Concacaf. “U.S. Soccer stands with Concacaf and its members,” they stated. This represents more than a simple vote.

Concacaf took a firm stance against one of the most controversial projects promoted by Gianni Infantino. In an extraordinary meeting, the 41 member associations unanimously rejected the proposal to create FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), an initiative that involves bringing private investors into the commercial rights of the World Cup and other FIFA-organized tournaments.

Concacaf criticism of Gianni Infantino

Among the main concerns, the confederation stated that there was no proper review process, criticized the deadlines set by FIFA, and questioned the need to rely on private capital considering the multi-million-dollar revenue generated from the 2026 World Cup, which was listed as the most profitable in the organization’s history.

Additionally, Concacaf requested greater transparency in resource administration and asked to evaluate whether FIFA’s economic reserves could be used to strengthen soccer development without opening the door to outside investors.

UEFA also opposed FIFA’s plan

Concacaf’s decision comes just hours after UEFA expressed a similar stance. The European confederation warned that none of its federations will participate in tournaments organized by FIFA while this proposal remains in effect, increasing pressure on Gianni Infantino.

The FIFA Forward Enterprise project seeks to raise $4.2 billion through long-term investors, with a valuation close to $20 billion. However, resistance from two of the world’s primary confederations leaves the FIFA-backed initiative in an increasingly complex position.

“It’s too early to say,” Bradley admitted Thursday in response to Bolavip during his media availability before Saturday’s MLS fixture against Orlando City. “I think time will tell, and the thing that I say anytime I get asked about this is actually very simple: the game is growing in a huge way in this country. Everything is trending in a really positive direction.

“And yeah, there will be improvement and there will be continued growth after the World Cup. But ultimately, we are moving things forward in a really positive way. The league, our national team, the level of individual players, the level of media attention, of pure number of fans who are interested in our sport.“

2026 World Cup sets record-breaking numbers in the USA

FOX confirmed that the 2026 World Cup final shattered TV records across the USA, as an average of 38.937 million viewers tuned in on Spain’s overtime win over Lionel Messi’s Argentina. This represents the most-watched soccer telecast in U.S. history and a 132% increase compared to FOX’s broadcast of the Qatar 2022 final, in which Argentina beat France on penalties.

The USMNT‘s campaign also set record figures, with the team breaking the record for most-watched soccer telecast in American history twice. First, an English-language TV audience of 26.4 million watched the Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to Nielsen Media research, the number increased to 33.086 million ⁠viewers for the Round of 16 loss to Belgium.

On top of that, the stadiums were sold out for these games, and soccer took center stage in American sports media. The question now is whether this growing interest in soccer will continue after the World Cup.

Bradley optimistic on the future of soccer in the US

“Everything is going in a really good direction, and ultimately, that doesn’t hinge on a little bit of a post-World Cup boom,” Bradley said. “There will be positives that come from the World Cup, but ultimately the progress is going forward in a really good way, no matter what.“

The 1994 World Cup led to the creation of MLS. Two decades after the league’s inaugural season, it’s fair to wonder what kind of impact the 2026 World Cup will produce in the game.

According to Sky Sports News, the Norwegian Soccer Federation will file a complaint with the FIFA Ethics Committee regarding the rescinding of the suspension for USA forward Folarin Balogun following the intervention by Donald Trump.

In an interview with The Times, Norwegian Soccer Federation president Lise Klaveness spoke out on the issue. “When a rule like this is bypassed, you enter a slippery slope that will jeopardize all of soccer,” Klaveness emphasized. “Questioning its fundamental rules constitutes a threat to this sport.”

The Federation President strongly opposed what happened

The decision ultimately had a significant impact on the USA, as stated by Balogun himself. The forward did not put together a strong performance and apologized to fans after the team was eliminated—an incident that will go down in history. However, Klaveness maintains that this scenario should never have taken place.

“First of all, this should never have happened. Now it is essential to have honest communication about it,” Klaveness continued. “We all know that this verdict was influenced by external forces and that it did not follow the proper procedure.” She added: “We need FIFA leadership to acknowledge that this is a mistake.”

The head of the Norwegian Soccer Federation was previously the sole official to formally protest against the “Peace Award” granted by FIFA president Gianni Infantino to the U.S. president last December.

The Norwegian soccer executive also told The Times that she was “disappointed, but not necessarily surprised” by FIFA’s lack of transparency in the matter and by the fact that the governing body has not published the full ruling explaining its decision. Despite Balogun’s participation, Belgium ultimately won 4-1 against the USA, eliminating the co-hosts.

Both the USMNT and Portugal suffered heartbreaking defeats in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. In fact, had they both won those games, they would’ve faced off in the quarterfinals. They didn’t, and that’s why Belgium and Spain competed for a spot in the semifinals.

Although the Stars and Stripes and the Lusos fell in the same round of the knockout stage, the Americans hold the edge thanks to FIFA’s criteria to determine positioning between teams that exited the tournament in the same stage.

Thus, the USA ranks ahead of Portugal in the 2026 World Cup final standings. The USMNT finished as the 12th-best team in the world, while Ronaldo and Portugal came in an unlucky 13th.

FIFA’s criteria

“For the teams which exited the competition at the same stage, their position is decided by the following criteria: Total number of points from matches across all stages (matches which go to a penalty shootout count as draws), goal difference from matches across all stages, number of goals scored from matches across all stages. If two or more teams are still tied after applying the above criteria they share the same final rank,” FIFA’s official statement on the final standings read.

2026 World Cup final standings: Top 20

Only the first four places in the standings are decided by a direct matchup, thanks to the final and third-place game at the 2026 World Cup. The rest of the teams’ positions are determined by the round in which they were eliminated and how they fared across all games in the group and knockout stage.

The top four of the 2026 World Cup are virtually self-explanatory. Spain finished first, Argentina second, England third, and France fourth. In fifth place, the rowing Vikings emerged from the fog, as Erling Haaland’s Norway reached the quarterfinals and finished with 12 points across all their games.

Belgium (11 points) finished in sixth place, while Morocco and Switzerland tied for seventh after finishing level on all tiebreakers. Mexico and Colombia rounded out the top 10 in ninth and 10th, respectively.

Brazil finished 11th, the USA 12th, and Portugal 13th. Canada finished last among the co-hosts in 14th. From 15th to 20th, the countries are ranked as follows: Egypt, Paraguay, the Netherlands, Germany, Ivory Coast, and Croatia.

The worst team in 2026 World Cup

Iraq was the worst team at the 2026 World Cup. One could say the Lions of Mesopotamia were the worst by a landslide, but Tunisia did put up a fight in that debate.

Iraq lost all three group-stage games, scored only one goal, and conceded 12, finishing with a whopping -11 goal difference. The Eagles of Carthage, on the other hand, finished just ahead of them in 47th place thanks to their -10 goal difference. Tunisia also scored one more goal than Iraq.

Uzbekistan rounded out the bottom three, as they failed to earn a single point as well, but finished with a -9 goal difference.

According to Donald Trump, he personally reached out to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to advocate for overturning Balogun’s red card. Ultimately, the striker was reinstated and cleared to play, sparking intense outrage within the Belgian Football Association.

Despite Balogun starting against the Red Devils, the USMNT was thoroughly defeated and eliminated from the World Cup. Reflecting after the match, the striker, after apologizing to USA’s fans over the elimination, admitted that the controversy surrounding his presence on the pitch may have negatively impacted the team’s focus and performance.

“I could almost see within my teammates a bit of nerves because it was something that’s so unique,“ Balogun told CBS on Tuesday. “But the closer we got to the game, I tried to just focus as best as I could.”

“When something is not intentional … it should never be a red card. So it was just an unfortunate situation and I think, you know, it put a lot more pressure on us than we needed. “

Belgium showed no mercy to the USMNT

Following FIFA’s decision to overturn Balogun’s suspension, the Belgian camp was left in complete disbelief. Several players voiced their frustration publicly before taking their answer directly to the pitch.

Belgium dominated the USMNT in a 4-1 victory and appeared determined to push the scoreline even higher. After the match, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois went as far as claiming that Senegal had provided a tougher test, making no secret of his disgust over Balogun’s reinstatement.

While Belgium was eventually eliminated by Spain in the quarterfinals, supporters of the Red Devils viewed the statement victory over the USA as a massive point of pride—overcoming pre-match controversy to deliver a commanding performance on the pitch.

Balogun didn’t make an impact vs Belgium

Belgium complained vocally about Balogun’s reinstatement, given his strong 2026 World Cup campaign. However, the striker made virtually no impact during their Round of 16 clash against the Red Devils, who mocked the USMNT during the game.

Balogun played all 90 minutes without registering a single shot on target. He finished with a modest 6.3 rating on Sofascore, reflecting the heavy burden and scrutiny surrounding his high-profile reintegration.

Pulisic was forced off in the 59th minute after colliding with a Belgian defender while attempting to shoot on goal. The AC Milan star immediately showed signs of discomfort and was unable to continue.

According to the USMNT, subsequent medical examinations revealed that the injury is less severe than initially feared, offering encouraging news for both the player and his club ahead of the 2026-27 season.

What happened to Christian Pulisic in 2026 World Cup?

Christian Pulisic suffered a bone bruise and a microfracture during the USA loss against Belgium in Seattle. This is the full report from the USMNT after medical examinations.

“Christian Pulisic has been diagnosed with a microfracture and bone bruise of the tibia/fibula in his right leg suffered during the match against Belgium. U.S. Soccer and AC Milan will be collaborating on his recovery plan.”

Pulisic’s injury occurred during a promising attacking move for the USMNT. As he prepared to strike the ball toward goal, his foot made contact with the foot of a Belgian opponent. The impact immediately affected his ability to continue, and he was eventually substituted in the 59th minute.

How serious is Christian Pulisic’s injury?

According to a report from The Athletic, this is Pulisic’s projected recovery timeline: “The estimated timeframe for Pulisic’s recovery puts him on track to return sometime in August, meaning he could be back in training ahead of the new Serie A season.”

The diagnosis comes as reassuring news for Pulisic and AC Milan, as there had been concerns that the injury could be much more serious and potentially threaten the beginning of his 2026-27 club season.

Among many things, Pulisic made a promise, calling this lesson only the beginning for the sport of soccer in the United States. Although Pulisic downplayed the injury he suffered against Belgium, he did admit disappointment with how the 2026 World Cup ended.

That same disappointment was echoed by U.S. icon Landon Donovan regarding Pulisic’s performance. Still, after taking a few days to process and digest a packed summer, Pulisic took to social media with a message for the fans and the rest of the world.

“Tough to find the words. I want to start by saying thank you to everyone who believe. The support carried us all the way through. It simply wasn’t good enough from us in the end and I wanted to deliver so much more,” Pulisic’s message on his Instagram read. “I still feel blessed to be a part of this team. The memories this summer will last a lifetime. It’s just the start for us and for this sport in America.”

Pulisic’s numbers at 2026 World Cup

Pulisic appeared in four games at the 2026 World Cup. He didn’t complete any of them. Although it must be noted he played 87 minutes in the Round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina, so he virtually played the full 90 minutes. In the remaining three, however, he was either subbed off with an injury (against Paraguay and Belgium) or subbed in (against Turkiye). Through those four appearances, Pulisic recorded only one assist.

In soccer, however, great performances may be lost in the stat sheet. In Pulisic’s case, he did put together a great first half against Paraguay in the tournament opener. However, he was subbed off at halftime with a lower-body setback, and that was essentially all she wrote for his campaign.

Pulisic didn’t come close to matching that level for the rest of the 2026 World Cup, and it was extremely painful as a nation rallied behind the USMNT while its biggest star looked a gear off.

Focus shifts onto next World Cup

There’s nothing to be done now, and the USMNT must shift its focus to the CONCACAF Gold Cup and World Cup qualifiers, as the next World Cup won’t be until 2030, and the USA isn’t guaranteed to make it.

Pulisic will be 31 at the 2030 World Cup. There’s a scenario in which it could be his last or second to last. Either way, his opportunities are running short, and he squandered his best yet.

As he mentioned that soccer is only writing its first chapters in the USA, he will surely want to have a bigger say in them going forward. Or maybe he will only plant the seed of a tree he won’t see blossom—at least not as a USMNT player.

It’s too late for the USA now. Although the USMNT will receive prize money for reaching the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, it will be little consolation for the broken hearts across the country. Among those left disappointed and hoping for better from Pulisic and the Stars and Stripes was legendary forward Landon Donovan.

“In the end, [Pulisic] is your best player, he is your star, and it just didn’t happen for him. It’s just disappointing. I was waiting for a moment from him, something special, something spectacular, and it just didn’t happen,” Donovan said in a recent episode of his podcast, Unfiltered Soccer, with Tim Howard.

Injuries doomed Pulisic’s World Cup

After a great first half against Paraguay in the tournament opener, Pulisic was subbed off at halftime with a lower-body injury. He went on to miss the game against Australia before appearing in the second half of the USMNT’s loss to Turkiye to close out Group D.

Pulisic played against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, but his performance flew under the radar. Instead, striker Folarin Balogun and German-born midfielder Malik Tillman stole the spotlight and led the Stars and Stripes to victory. One of the players born outside the United States led the USMNT to the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.

However, that would be as far as the United States would go, despite playing at home and having FIFA cancel Balogun’s red-card suspension, amid an admission from FIFA president Gianni Infantino that U.S. President Donald Trump called about the suspension. Pulisic was subbed off during the Round of 16 game against Belgium, in which the Stars and Stripes suffered their worst loss in a long time, sounding the death knell for their hopes and dreams at the 2026 World Cup.

What’s next?

From now on, the USMNT will have to watch as the tournament unfolds on home soil, while Pulisic will bear the weight of harsh criticism from sea to shining sea. With the United States eliminated, they will have to wait for the next World Cup, which will be in 2030. For the time being, there’s much work to be done.

The next two World Cup editions already have confirmed hosts. The 2030 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. In addition, special opening matches will be played in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay to commemorate the centennial of the tournament.

For 2034, FIFA has confirmed Saudi Arabia as the host nation. That means the next World Cup host still to be announced is the 2038 edition. That’s when things could get interesting.

Why is 2038 the first realistic opportunity for USA?

FIFA’s rotation rules are a key factor in determining which confederations can bid for future World Cups. Under the current system, confederations generally must wait two World Cup cycles, or eight years, after hosting the tournament before they can submit another bid.

This has major implications for the 2038 World Cup. UEFA, CAF, and CONMEBOL would be ineligible because Europe, Africa, and South America are all involved in hosting the 2030 tournament.

The AFC would also be ineligible because Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup. That leaves CONCACAF and OFC as the only confederations with a realistic path to bidding for 2038.

Could the USA host the 2038 World Cup?

Yes, the United States could be one of the strongest candidates to host the 2038 FIFA World Cup. At the moment, there is no official bid or confirmed plan for the United States to host the tournament again.

However, the country’s extensive sports infrastructure, large stadiums, transportation networks, hotel capacity, and experience from hosting major international events would make it a natural contender if CONCACAF decides to pursue the 2038 edition.

A joint bid with Mexico?

One possible scenario is another joint bid involving the United States and Mexico. The two nations are already collaborating on the 2026 World Cup, and that partnership could provide a model for another regional bid in the future.

Another possibility is that the United States and Mexico could pursue separate bids, creating a competition between the two CONCACAF powers for the right to host the 2038 tournament.

Why would the USA have an advantage for 2038 World Cup?

If the United States pursues the 2038 World Cup, it would likely enter the process as one of the favorites. The country already has the infrastructure required to host a tournament of this scale, including world-class stadiums, transportation systems, hotel capacity, and commercial support. Hosting the 2026 World Cup will also provide valuable organizational experience that could strengthen a future bid.

Could Oceania also bid?

Oceania is the other confederation theoretically eligible to bid for the 2038 World Cup. However, there is currently no formal plan for Australia or New Zealand to host the tournament in 2038. Without a confirmed Oceania bid, CONCACAF appears to be in a very strong position for the next available hosting cycle.

So when could the USA host another World Cup?

The earliest realistic opportunity for the United States to host another FIFA World Cup would be 2038. No official host has been announced for that tournament yet, but FIFA’s rotation rules and the confirmed hosts for 2030 and 2034 make 2038 the first edition in which CONCACAF nations, including the United States, could realistically compete for hosting rights. If selected, the United States would host the World Cup for a third time, following the 1994 tournament and the 2026 co-hosted edition.

“My debut World Cup… it hurts to wait four years to compete at the highest level our sport has to offer. I want to say sorry to our fans. It was not good enough when it mattered most and we let you down,” Balogun wrote on X after the final whistle, reflecting on the team’s elimination.

Balogun’s appearance against Belgium had already become one of the tournament’s biggest talking points after FIFA overturned his suspension ahead of the knockout match. Although the striker returned to the starting lineup, he was unable to influence the game as Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals with a convincing victory.

Balogun apologizes after the United States’ World Cup exit

Following the defeat, which led Belgium to USA and FIFA, Balogun thanked supporters while expressing confidence that American soccer will continue to grow despite the disappointing result. “Soccer in America will only become bigger. The belief, the talent, and the passion is continually growing and I know the best days are in front of us.”

He also added, “The future belongs to those who never stop believing. This moment will fuel us. We will be back. Why not us? For the nation. For the flag.” Belgium controlled much of the Round of 16 contest, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice before Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku completed the 4-1 victory.

Balogun’s participation remained a major talking point

The decision generated widespread discussion ahead of the Round of 16 after reports of a phone call from Donald Trump to Gianni Infantino regarding Balogun’s red card, while Mauricio Pochettino publicly celebrated the striker’s availability.

FIFA later fined Balogun after the case was reviewed, although the FIFA Disciplinary Committee explained why Balogun could play against Belgium despite the disciplinary proceedings.

In the end, the controversy surrounding Balogun’s participation was overshadowed by Belgium’s dominant performance, which ended the United States’ World Cup campaign.

“Pulisic will be important for us, I believe in him,” the new manager said via Fabrizio Romano on X. Which team was Captain America linked with? Rumors suggested that MLS side New York City had set their sights on him.

Pulisic has been a key figure for the Rossoneri in recent years, and now, under this new management, he will once again lead the attack. Amorim, who arrives for this new challenge in Serie A, also wants to retain Luka Modric: “I want Modrić to stay, I spoke to Luka and if needed… I will go get him in person! I want Modrić with us this season.”

Both players had active roles in the World Cup, with Team USA being eliminated in the Round of 16, while The Vatreni were knocked out in the Round of 32. Will Amorim ultimately be able to keep them together at AC Milan for a little longer?

What is Pulisic’s injury status?

The heavy defeat suffered by the USMNT against Belgium, a 4-1 loss, not only resulted in their elimination but also saw Christian Pulisic leave the field with an injury. “I just totally twisted my ankle and my knee in one play,” he revealed.

At the time, manager Mauricio Pochettino decided to sub the player off to avoid worsening the situation. Now, with more time to rest and a good recovery, everything indicates that Pulisic will be available for his club soon.

Pulisic’s numbers at AC Milan

Christian Pulisic officially arrived at AC Milan on July 13, 2023, transferring from Chelsea. Since making his debut with the Rossoneri, the American winger has become a key figure in the squad, completing 100 appearances and scoring 31 goals in Serie A play.