The United States are out of the World Cup after a dismal 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16, ending their once-in-a-generation home World Cup.
After taking some time to process, we're breaking down the full 26-player squad at the tournament, how they performed, and where they stand going forward.
Ben Wright
If you've been bitten by the soccer bug during the World Cup and want to stick around, we cover Nashville SC and Major League Soccer in depth every week, and we'd love to have to along for the ride as we follow one of the more exciting clubs in American soccer.
Nashville SC and Major League Soccer are back in action, and we're here to cover it all in-depth. Sign up for a new annual membership and save 30% on your first year!
Goalkeepers
Matt Freese: Stock down
Goals conceded: 5
Saves: 8
Save percentage: 61.8%
Goals prevented: -0.08
Minutes played: 360
Matt Freese was rarely tested at the World Cup, needing to make just two saves per game with the USMNT backline holding steady against Paraguay, Australia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. He made a spectacular save in the opening minutes against Belgium, but his completely disastrous mistake with the ball at his feet fully ended any chance of a comeback.
Matt Turner: Stock up
Goals conceded: 3
Saves: 0
Save percentage: N/A
Goals prevented: N/A
Minutes played: 90
Matt Turner's only action was in a 3-2 loss to Türkiye, in which the US made nine changes to the lineup and Türkiye scored with all three of their shots on goal. Freese's howler against Belgium makes Turner a much safer option, and those who have paid attention to MLS will know that Turner has been in significantly better club form for the last 12 months. He'll be 36 in 2030 – could he stay in the picture during the upcoming cycle?
Chris Brady: Stock unchanged
Goals conceded: N/A
Saves: N/A
Save percentage: N/A
Goals prevented: N/A
Minutes played: 0
He didn't play a second at the World Cup, but at 22 years old he's one of the younger established 'keepers in the pool. He'll be a real factor in the upcoming cycle.
Center backs
Chris Richards: Stock unchanged
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Defensive contributions per 90: 10.3
Minutes played: 360
Everyone knew Chris Richards was the most important defender heading into the tournament, and that didn't change over the course of their five matches. He didn't take a major step forward either, though, and he didn't cover himself in glory in the Belgium match, especially on the fourth goal. He'll still be a crucial piece in the 2030 cycle, and likely beyond.
Tim Ream: Stock unchanged
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Defensive contributions per 90: 5.5
Minutes played: 360
There were a lot of concerns about Tim Ream heading into the World Cup, and to his credit, he rolled back the clock against Paraguay, Australia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. He was incredibly solid, with on-point positioning and a surprising amount of open-field pace. And then he looked completely found out against Belgium.
Ultimately, I think Ream ended up about where he started, but deserves a lot of credit for the tournament he had and for having the guts to go out on the field and lead the team. I don't blame him for anything. Rather, I blame every other center back in the pool who has completely failed to close the gap over the last four years. I'd be surprised to see him wear the USMNT shirt again.
