USMNT World Cup Performance: Highlights and Failures

The American team's participation in the World Cup was marked by ups and downs, and some players stood out more than others. Among the highlights, Weston McKennie, from Juventus, stood out as the only one to start all five matches and led the team in chances created, with a total of eight. His effort on the field was impressive, covering 57,573 meters during the tournament. His performance earned an A- grade, showing that he was one of the team's pillars. Another who had a good performance was Malik Tillman, who also showed his potential, although his use was less frequent. Alex Freeman, Villarreal's right-back and defender, surprised by scoring a goal and providing an assist, as well as being the team leader in tackles with 14. Freeman, who had not been on the radar for a few years, put in a solid performance, receiving an A- grade for his defensive and offensive contributions. In goal, New York City FC's Matt Freese had a mixed experience. Despite his mistakes at crucial moments, he managed to stand out in some matches, resulting in a C grade, which reflects his inexperience in tournaments at this level. Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards was also one of the team's best players, with an impressive pass completion rate and a solid defensive contribution. He finished with a grade of B+, which is a positive sign for his future.  Tyler Adams, from Bournemouth, was another player who stood out. He performed remarkably well in midfield, completing 55.3 passes per match with a success rate of 89.4%. His presence was vital during games, and he received an A- grade for his consistent performances. On the other hand, Christian Pulisic and Sergiño Dest failed to live up to expectations, receiving low grades. Pulisic had difficulty standing out and his performance was considered below expectations, especially in key moments of the competition. Monaco's Folarin Balogun was one of the few to shine, scoring three goals and being a constant threat throughout the tournament, receiving an A grade for his overall performance. His impact was notable and he is seen as promising for the future of the team. Thus, the USMNT came away from the World Cup with some lessons to learn, but also with players who showed the potential to shine in future competitions. The team hopes to strengthen and learn from this experience to improve even further in their next international participation. --- ## Related Articles 1. [World Cup 2026](https://torcidanet.live/pt/news/gary-neville-alerta-defesa-da-inglaterra-antes-da-estreia-na-copa-do-mundo-contra-a-croacia) 2. [World Cup 2026: France beats Senegal with two goals from Mbappé](https://torcidanet.live/pt/news/copa-do-mundo-2026-franca-vence-senegal-com-dois-gols-de-mbappe)

Frequently asked questions

Who was the most outstanding player on the American team during the World Cup?

Weston McKennie stood out, being the only one to start all five matches and leading the team in chances created.

What was Weston McKennie's performance rating at the World Cup?

Weston McKennie received an A- grade for his performance.

Who scored a goal and provided an assist in the World Cup?

Alex Freeman, Villarreal's right-back and defender, scored a goal and provided an assist.

How was Matt Freese's performance in goal for the American team?

Matt Freese had a mixed experience, standing out in some matches but making mistakes at crucial moments, resulting in a C grade.

What was Chris Richards' World Cup score?

Chris Richards finished with a B+ grade for his solid defensive contribution and impressive pass completion rate.

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