Carson, California

On a sweltering Thursday at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, the head coach of the Los Angeles Galaxy, Greg Vanney, stood on the practice field to field questions from reporters.

Just a few days earlier, we had asked him about the U.S. team’s withdrawal from the World Cup. Vanney, with a hint of frustration, pointed out a key issue: the team was too naive.

Later that same afternoon, security ramped up around the Galaxy’s training facility, as Belgium, which had recently knocked out the United States, was set to practice at Dignity Health Sports Park in preparation for their upcoming World Cup quarterfinal match against Spain.

Following the heavy defeat by Belgium, many are questioning whether the U.S. national team is better or worse than it was a decade ago.

“Overall, the team had a very poor final game from top to bottom,” Vanney remarked, appearing reflective.

“That put us in a corner right away. It’s incredibly difficult to regain your rhythm once you’re that far behind against a world-class opponent. In a World Cup knockout setting, we need to be less naive.”

Vanney elaborated on why Team USA fell short, why Christian Pulisic struggled to find his rhythm, and what changes are necessary for North American soccer ahead of the next World Cup.

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We also inquired about Christian Pulisic, who seemed not fully prepared for the World Cup.

“It was a tough tournament for Christian because he came in sharp but encountered an injury in the opening match,” Vanney noted.

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“The World Cup waits for no one. Each round became progressively more challenging, and he had little time to establish his rhythm. When you face a setback in such a demanding tournament, it can lead to a loss of form and connection to the system. He’s a world-class player who deserves to be on that stage; he was just unlucky.”

For Vanney, Pulisic’s challenges mirrored a larger concern. Against Belgium, Team USA appeared wholly unprepared for the intense demands of the World Cup finals.

And then there was Belgium.

As the media session wrapped up and vehicles departed from Dignity Health Sports Park, a bus showcasing a massive Belgian flag rolled through the gate.

Belgium will now play the tournament at Dignity Health Sports Park after FIFA sanctioned a last-minute change of venue. The extreme heat and heavy usage have taken a toll on the turf at their home ground, Loyola Marymount University, creating injury risks before their match against Spain.

Vanney reflected on Team USA’s shortcomings but will soon shift his focus back to the Galaxy, who are set to host crosstown rivals LAFC next weekend.

The Galaxy will aim to secure their home ground as El Trafico approaches, following the departures of players Gabriel Peck and Mauricio Cuevas.