LA Galaxy coach Greg Vanney says Team USA was 'very naive,' explaining Christian Pulisic's struggles.
CARSON, Calif. – On a hot Thursday in Carson at Dignity Health Sports Park, LA Galaxy coach Greg Vanney stood on the practice field to answer questions.
When we asked about Team America's exit from the World Cup a few days ago, Vanney pointed out one problem: the Americans were too stupid.
Later that afternoon, Belgium, fresh from knocking out the United States, was scheduled to train at Dignity Health Sports Park ahead of Friday's World Cup quarterfinal against Spain, prompting increased security at the Galaxy's training ground.
AFTER LOSING TO BELGIUM, MANY ARE WONDERING IF TEAM USA IS TWICE BETTER OR WORSE THAN A DECADE AGO.
LA Galaxy coach, Greg Vanney, shares an indirect test of Team USA's World Cup exit and Christian Pulisic's struggles. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) ((Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images))
“Together, the team went into the final game without knowing anything from top to bottom,” said Vanney.
“It just put us on our heels. When you're facing world-class opponents, it's very difficult to get your rhythm back when you're behind like that. We have to be reckless in the World Cup playoffs.”
The Galaxy coach explained why Team USA failed, why Christian Pulisic never found his footing and what should change in North American football before the next World Cup.
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We also asked Vanney about Christian Pulisic, whose World Cup didn't quite go down well.
Christian Pulisic of the United States leaves the field after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match between the USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
“It was a tough competition for Christian because he came in sharp but was injured in the opening game,” said Vanney.
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“The World Cup waits for no one; it gets harder every round, and he hasn't had time to find his rhythm. If you knock on an unforgiving tournament, you risk losing your form and connection with the system. He is a world-class player and plays at this level, but he was unlucky.”
For Vanney, Pulisic's struggles signaled a bigger problem. When facing Belgium, Team USA was not ready to face the demands of the World Cup playoffs.
Greg Vanney explains why Team USA's World Cup run has not been resolved while reflecting on Christian Pulisic's tough competition. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ((Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images))
Then came Belgium.
As the press session wrapped up and cars were leaving the Dignity Health Sports Park, a bus carrying a giant Belgian flag rolled into the gates.
Belgium ended up at the Dignity Health Sports Park after FIFA approved a last-minute venue change. Extreme heat and overuse have damaged the scarf in the team's starting position at Loyola Marymount University, creating a risk of injury ahead of their World Cup quarterfinal against Spain.
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While Vanney reflects on Team USA's shortcomings, his attention will turn to the Galaxy, who will host cross-town rival LAFC next weekend.
The Galaxy will look to secure home ground following the departures of Gabriel Pec and Mauricio Cuevas when El Tráfico arrives.
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