Ouch. The U.S. team’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup occurred in ugly fashion — and sooner than many had hoped.

The U.S. team’s Round of 16 loss to Belgium in Seattle on Monday, by a 4-1 score, means the American team failed to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.

On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), Star columnist Vahe Gregorian discusses the disappointment of the lopsided loss and what it means for the U.S. program going forward.

Also, was the U.S. affected by FIFA’s sudden reinstatement of forward Flo Balogun, who received a red card in the previous game but was allowed to play against Belgium after some maneuvering by President Trump?

SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It’s produced by Hannah Wise, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.