It's been two days since the United States men's national team fell to Belgium in the Round of 16, after a disappointing 4-1 loss. But the World Cup keeps on trucking, with the quarterfinals beginning on Thursday, and U.S. fans will try to move on as well.
For USMNT fans who have gotten over their grief — or those who hope to overcome it by watching even more soccer — it's a perfect time to pick a new, arbitrary team to root for in the next round. Eight teams remain, six of them UEFA, one CAF and one CONMEBOL.
When it comes to picking a second-chance team, no reason is too small: Maybe one country holds your family's history, or you like the color of their jerseys, or maybe you're just really tired of the teams that always win.
All eight are worthy of your honorary support, but if you need them, here are a few reasons to cheer on each of the remaining teams.
In 2022, it was France's chance to go back-to-back. Les Bleus nearly pulled off a miracle in the final behind a hat trick from captain and star striker Kylian Mbappé: First, Mbappé scored two goals in a two-minute span to send the game to extra time, then he scored in extra time to send the game to penalties. But in the penalty shootout, Argentina got the win. Mbappé won the Golden Boot, and on the way to collect his trophy, he was forced to walk past the World Cup trophy, his true desire.
For USMNT fans who have gotten over their grief — or those who hope to overcome it by watching even more soccer — it's a perfect time to pick a new, arbitrary team to root for in the next round. Eight teams remain, six of them UEFA, one CAF and one CONMEBOL.
When it comes to picking a second-chance team, no reason is too small: Maybe one country holds your family's history, or you like the color of their jerseys, or maybe you're just really tired of the teams that always win.
All eight are worthy of your honorary support, but if you need them, here are a few reasons to cheer on each of the remaining teams.
In 2022, it was France's chance to go back-to-back. Les Bleus nearly pulled off a miracle in the final behind a hat trick from captain and star striker Kylian Mbappé: First, Mbappé scored two goals in a two-minute span to send the game to extra time, then he scored in extra time to send the game to penalties. But in the penalty shootout, Argentina got the win. Mbappé won the Golden Boot, and on the way to collect his trophy, he was forced to walk past the World Cup trophy, his true desire.
4 months ago
