Brenden Aaronson has defended the U.S. men's national team against criticism following disappointing friendly losses to Belgium and Portugal last month. The Leeds United midfielder insists reports suggesting players don't care about the team's struggles are unfounded.

"I think it's tough because I feel like there's this kind of stigma that people don't think that we care and stuff like that, but we do care," Aaronson told ESPN. "I think we care a lot." The U.S. opens its 2026 World Cup campaign against Paraguay in Inglewood, California on June 12, before facing Australia and Türkiye in group play.

Aaronson, who was an unused substitute against Belgium before playing 12 minutes against Portugal, called the Belgium loss "a bit hard done by" and believes the team performed well in portions of both matches. The squad has two final preparation games against Senegal on May 31 and versus Germany on June 6.

The 25-year-old is also focused on Leeds United's season, where the club sits 15th in the Premier League, six points clear of relegation with six games remaining. Leeds faces Chelsea in an FA Cup semifinal at Wembley on April 26. Aaronson called it "definitely my best season in my career so far."