The United States Men’s National Team crashed out in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday night, losing 4-1 to Belgium in a match in which it never looked comfortable. The U.S. entered the match mired in controversy, after its top goal scorer in the tournament, Folarin Balogun, had his suspension for a red card he was assessed in the round of 32 overturned, making him eligible against Belgium.
United States President Donald Trump confirmed reports that he played a role in helping to get Balogun reinstated early on Monday, and many fans were torn on whether or not they should support the U.S. against Belgium.
As happy as they were that the USMNT would get such an important weapon back, there was concern that the U.S. and FIFA had violated the integrity of the sport.
“We are supposed to be the United States of America.”
Former Fox Sports analyst and NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III feels that these fans are why Monday went the way that it did, while also acknowledging that Belgium was the superior squad.
“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,” Griffin posted on X.
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.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) July 7, 2026
The fact of the matter is that it was on the players, especially team leader Christian Pulisic, who was disappointing on the field even before leaving earlier with an injury. The USMNT let the fans down on Monday, not the other way around.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.