USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese admits he hasn't overcome the team's 2026 World Cup exit after a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the round of 16. "Big losses in tough moments are things you never really get over," Freese stated, noting they serve as motivation. He highlighted a costly mistake during the Belgium match, where a misjudged clearance led to a goal that sealed the USMNT's fate. This error has reportedly led to him being booed by fans in his recent MLS return.

Freese, one of four US national team players selected for the MLS All-Star Game, emphasized the importance of not letting either wins or losses define a player. Veteran defender Tim Ream echoed this sentiment, stressing that hard work is the key to breaking through barriers and achieving World Cup success. He believes better days are ahead for the team despite the loss.

Wing-back Max Arfsten sees the increased fan attention on soccer, particularly with games in the US, as a positive for the sport's growth. Ream also noted a significant boost in fan interest in MLS and soccer generally since the World Cup, finding it rewarding that more people are paying attention to the sport.