Legendary goalkeeper Brad Friedel was between the pipes for the United States’ deepest run in modern World Cup history, as the Americans advanced to the 2002 quarterfinal before falling to Germany.
In 2026, the USMNT didn’t make it quite that far. The Americans were eliminated by Belgium in the Round of 16, but Friedel still says it was a successful showing despite last week’s 4-1 loss.
The National Soccer Hall of Famer hopped on a Zoom call with MassLive to discuss the state of soccer in the United States, the team’s 2026 World Cup performance and where the Americans go from here. Friedel was speaking in **** ociation with Tonybet.
Friedel, who earned 82 caps as U.S. goalie, came into the tournament hoping the USMNT would finish first or second in its group. The Americans won Group D and then beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32.
To Friedel, that’s a success. He believes external expectations have grown too quickly.
In 2026, the USMNT didn’t make it quite that far. The Americans were eliminated by Belgium in the Round of 16, but Friedel still says it was a successful showing despite last week’s 4-1 loss.
The National Soccer Hall of Famer hopped on a Zoom call with MassLive to discuss the state of soccer in the United States, the team’s 2026 World Cup performance and where the Americans go from here. Friedel was speaking in **** ociation with Tonybet.
Friedel, who earned 82 caps as U.S. goalie, came into the tournament hoping the USMNT would finish first or second in its group. The Americans won Group D and then beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32.
To Friedel, that’s a success. He believes external expectations have grown too quickly.
4 months ago
