​Retired NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III voiced his disappointment after Team USA exited the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a Round of 16 defeat to Belgium on Monday at Lumen Field, which was renamed Seattle Stadium for the tournament. Despite high hopes, the U.S. team’s quest to lift the trophy ended in a 4-1 loss as Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals, outclassing their opponents on the day.
In a post on X, Griffin III attributed the loss partially to a lack of unity among American fans. He wrote that the United States failed to present a united front in support of the team, adding, “We lost because (Belgium is a better team) we weren’t a united front as fans. We are supposed to be the United States of America, not the divided states of America.”
The United States Men’s National Team has never won the FIFA World Cup. Their best finish came in the inaugural 1930 tournament, when they placed third. By contrast, the women’s national team has won the competition four times, most recently in 2019.
Following the defeat, Griffin III also posted a congratulatory message to Belgium, saying, “Congratulations to Belgium. You beat us fair and square at our best and you were better. You earned it.”
In addition to Griffin III, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy voiced his disappointment on social media. He posted a blunt video on X criticizing Team USA, calling the match a debacle and questioning various aspects of the program, including the choice of Balogun and the team’s defensive lapses. He even implied it might be time to rethink how the sport is supported in the country, joking about instituting a draft for soccer and criticizing the level of play.
Portnoy’s remarks were linked to the red card received by Folarin Balogun during the U.S. team’s 2-0 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina, which led to broader backlash and controversy. President Donald Trump later claimed to have discussed the matter with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and to have influenced a suspension delay that allowed Balogun to participate in the next game.
With Belgium advancing, their next opponent will be Spain in the quarterfinals on Friday at 3 p.m. ET. The matchup promises to be a stern test as Belgium seeks to continue its strong World Cup run, while the United States closes the book on another campaign and looks toward future opportunities to compete at soccer’s highest level.