USMNT knocked out of the World Cup after Saturday’s 3–1 loss to the Netherlands

The GIST: The USMNT was knocked out of the World Cup after Saturday’s 3–1 loss to the Netherlands, but, over four games in Qatar, the young team more than proved they belong on the international stage, even if they’re not quite ready for a leading role just yet.

Tourney recap: The world No. 16 U.S. impressed in the group stage, hanging on for a draw against No. 19 Wales, outplaying trophy-contending No. 5 England in a scoreless draw and digging deep to beat No. 20 Iran.

• But in the knockout game, a clinical Dutch team pounced on U.S. defensive miscues, exacerbating the Americans’ biggest weakness: scoring goals.

What’s next: This upstart team will need an effective leader to take them from “promising” to “prizewinners,” and it’s TBD if that’s coach Gregg Berhalter, whose contract expires soon. But one thing’s for sure: the second-youngest team in the tournament electrified American fans, who set record viewership numbers in the match against England.

• That’s especially good news ahead of 2026 when, ICYMI, the World Cup will be played on home soil (along with Canada and Mexico). With some new additions and a raucous home crowd behind them, maybe this perennial dark horse can transform into a stallion.

• But first things first: the 2023 Women’s World Cup, which kicks off in Australia and New Zealand in 227 days. Let the countdown begin.