USMNT Thanks Fans After 4-1 World Cup Exit as 30 Million Watched Belgium Loss
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 7
USMNT Thanks Fans After 4-1 World Cup Exit as 30 Million Watched Belgium Loss
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 7
Summary
A day after its 4-1 round-of-16 loss to Belgium, the USMNT posted a thank-you note to supporters and urged Americans to stay involved in soccer after the tournament.
30 million viewers watched Monday's defeat on Fox, a record audience that underscored the surge in national interest the team said it carried throughout the World Cup.
The message also acknowledged the disappointment of another round-of-16 finish—the same stage as in the Americans' previous three World Cup appearances—and vowed the team would improve to compete with the world's best.
Tim Ream echoed that appeal after the loss, saying the conversation around soccer in the United States should not fade now that the run is over and should keep inspiring young players.
With the U.S. hosting the men's World Cup for only the second time, U.S. Soccer is counting on the tournament's packed stadiums, jersey sales and broader fan uptake to produce a lasting boost for the sport.