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SportsUSMNT leads 2026 World Cup in set-piece goals despite Round of 16 exit
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The USMNT, despite a disappointing Round of 16 exit at the 2026 World Cup after a 4-1 loss to Belgium, still holds a tournament record. They lead all teams in set-piece goals with five in five games, ahead of Argentina's four in six. The match saw Christian Pulisic struggle, turning the ball over 14 times. Coach Mauricio Pochettino's future is uncertain as his contract ended with the exit, though a four-year deal has been offered. The article highlights the team's set-piece identity as a silver lining in an otherwise disastrous tournament for the host nation.
Source report
They may be watching the remainder of the 2026 World Cup from home, but the United States Men's National Team still holds a tournament record.
The 2026 World Cup proved to be a disappointing campaign for the USMNT, particularly in the eyes of the media. What was expected to be a triumphant home-soil tournament for Christian Pulisic ended in frustration. In the 4–1 Round of 16 loss to Belgium, Pulisic struggled as the focal point of the attack, turning the ball over 14 times — making him the most dispossessed player on the pitch.
Additionally, head coach Mauricio Pochettino's future has come under scrutiny, with the USMNT's World Cup exit marking the end of his current contract. A four-year deal has been offered to the Argentine, but he has yet to commit his future to the nation.
However, it is not all disappointment for the USMNT. According to Golazo America, the United States still leads the 2026 World Cup in set-piece goals, with five scored in five matches.
- Argentina are the closest challengers with four goals in six games.
The USMNT embraced its set-piece identity throughout the tournament, scoring a tournament-high five goals from set plays.
Set-Piece Goals Breakdown
Here are the specific games and goalscorers behind those five set-piece goals:
(Details of individual goals and scorers were not included in the original text.)
This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.
Source
Yardbarker: SoccerWestern
Part of this Story
USMNT's World Cup Run Ends in Shocking 4-1 Defeat to Belgium