The French legend says the United States could reach the finals of the 2030 World Cup
A FOX Sports anchor questions Team USA’s game plan in the World Cup loss
FOX Sports FIFA World Cup announcer Tyler Terens breaks down Team USA’s shocking 4-1 loss to Belgium. Teren questioned the tactical approach, highlighting the team’s lack of aggression and suggesting the game plan was ‘wrong.’ He emphasizes the disappointing result in what was the USMNT’s home tournament.
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It wasn’t the end Team USA wanted in the Round of 16 to lose to Belgium, but the former FIFA World Cup champion believes the team’s work at home should be celebrated.
In fact, four years from now when a new World Cup tournament begins, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the USMNT reach its first ever final.
Christian Karembeu, the French legend who helped the country lift the world cup in 1998, said that “as Europeans,” and as a soccer player, the US was surprising in this tournament.
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Christian Karembeu is introduced to the crowd during the FIFA World Cup 26 Trophy Tour on May 21, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Isaiah Vazquez – FIFA)
“They surprised us. Nobody expected them to play like that,” Karembeu told Fox News Digital, while also discussing his partnership with Coca-Cola and FIFA through their “All Throw-In Counts” program. “With speed, with possession at times, and with the talent you have now.
“I think [head coach Mauricio] Pochettino did a great job and he needs to be proud of Team USA because we didn’t expect that.”
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The rest of the country was behind one of the three participating countries, with Mexico and Canada also leading the way in hospitality. Karembeu, who participated in the World Cup in 1994 while on American soil, is happy with the tournament which he called “successful” so far.
But a 4-1 loss to Belgium, which saw some USMNT errors lead to goals, added momentum to the US’s three wins in the tournament, including a Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Karembeu believes that Belgium’s defeat should be a lesson for the US, as it looks ahead to 2030.
Christian Pulisic of the United States is comforted by Mauricio Pochettino, Head Coach of the United States, after being sent off during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between the USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (John Dorton/USSF/Getty Images)
“We learn constantly, every day, every year. I think that with Pochettino, Team USA has improved a lot,” he explained. “That’s why I said I don’t think it will be surprising in the next four years – they will be in Morocco, Portugal and Spain – Team USA will probably go to the finals. Because now they have seen what was missing maybe, but I think it was a lack of experience. Other than that, they are strong.”
Before the Belgium game, the USMNT was in the headlines around the world after FIFA decided to invoke Article 27 of its disciplinary code and suspended the red card Folarin Balogun received in the Round of 32, allowing him to play against Belgium. Many were furious, including the Belgian Football Federation, which issued a strong statement about the situation.
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Even President Donald Trump got involved, calling on a close friend of the FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, to ask for a review of the red card.
Some argued that it might have distracted the US from focusing on the game, but no excuses were made. Pochettino and many others acknowledged the lack of effort and precision in the tournament’s biggest moment.
But again, Karembeu sees the USMNT with the glass half full.
“I think you have to focus on the collective results and what they have achieved before that. We need to focus more on what they have brought us,” he said.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker poses with Christian Karembeu and the World Cup trophy during the FIFA World Cup 26 Trophy Tour on May 21, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Isaiah Vazquez – FIFA)
The US may have a chance to make Karembeu’s prediction come true, but they must start competing in the World Cup now after securing a bid to host the games.
EVERYONE HAS BEEN COUNTED IN THE WORLD CUP
Karembeu can’t get enough of Coca-Cola and FIFA’s new challenge for fans during the World Cup, where “Every Throw-In Counts” gives fans a way to participate in the competition beyond what goes down on the pitch.
With a mix of soccer, lifestyle and community service activities, the initiative encourages fans around the world to complete simple daily tasks, upload photos and earn “goals” for opportunities to win exclusive prizes. From recycling to using public transport, to choosing recyclables, more than 5,000 followers and 34,000 goals have been counted so far. And there are still many games to be played.
Spain’s Lamine Yamal stars in Coca-Cola and FIFA’s joint program, “All Your Throws,” in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Coca-Cola/FIFA)
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“It’s amazing. It’s fun, it’s easy,” said Karembeu. “The fans accept it because it’s simple, they can play it with their families, it’s good for everyone.
“I think this is a lesson and an example for everyone. So, if you have this great stadium for the World Cup, it’s good to share this program with the fans. Being responsible and sustainable.”
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