The USMNT was eliminated from the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup after losing 4-1 to Belgium. US international Adams reflected on the defeat, the controversy surrounding Balogun's suspended red card, and the next generation of young American players in an exclusive interview with The Athletic.

Looking back now, what went wrong in the match against Belgium?

Adams: "It wasn't about one specific thing going wrong, or one play, or one mistake that caused everything. After the match, I looked up into the stands and saw so many people emotional because we were knocked out—they really believed we could go further. It hurt, it really stung. Especially because so many people believed in us. You hope to hear 'Country Roads' again after the match."

John Denver's classic became the USMNT's victory anthem during the World Cup, but the loss to Belgium cut that short. Adams stated that this elimination was more painful than their Round of 16 exit to the Netherlands four years prior.

Adams: "I remember getting knocked out by the Netherlands, and it hurt me personally, and it hurt every player and the whole team. But back then, when you looked into the stands, you didn't see nearly as many people who really cared about the USMNT being eliminated from the tournament."

Now 27 years old, Adams is ready to move forward, but he believes the USMNT must seriously consider how to avoid early exits from major tournaments in the future.

Adams: "For us, what's most important is continuing to put players in these environments, letting them experience big matches. That way, when they face the most crucial moments, nothing will shake them. I think sometimes our whole team lacks that experience."

"How do we get all 25 players to do that? Whatever role they need to take on, can they adapt to that situation? For me, that's extremely important. But honestly, I don't know the answer."

Commenting on the USMNT's performance at this World Cup, Adams believes the team has made more people truly believe in them.

Adams: "We dominated in a way that I don't think any USMNT team has ever done at a World Cup before. What else do we need to do to make people believe? I think we've convinced everyone now, and the next step is to keep raising our game."

The USMNT's match against Belgium was also marked by significant controversy. Balogun received a red card in the earlier match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA subsequently suspended his suspension. US President Trump called FIFA President Infantino requesting a review of the incident. This ultimately became a motivating factor for Belgium heading into the match.

How did the team view Balogun being able to play at that point?

Adams: "To this day, it still feels very strange to me because we knew about it as much as you did. We only found out Balogun could play when the news came out. Even he didn't know the process was happening. A lot of different factors suddenly came together."

Adams stated that, personally, Balogun being able to play was an advantage, not a distraction.

Adams: "Why would it affect me? We just got a really important player back for the team. But how would it affect Balogun? And how would it affect Belgium's motivation? I don't know. Why would it affect me? If anything, I thought it benefited us at that moment. But I don't know, I don't know what impact it had on other teammates, I can only speak for myself. "

Balogun has scored 3 goals in 4 World Cup appearances. Adams praised how his teammate handled the intense public scrutiny.

Adams: "Balogun is the type of person... I don't want to say he's destined to be in the spotlight, but he never actively seeks it out. Everything is a natural expression of his true personality. I'm very proud of how he handled it; it was very genuine, exactly like the person we know."

Adams himself experienced similar intense public scrutiny at the 2022 World Cup. At that time, the USMNT would face Iran, and as captain, Adams was involved in a tense exchange with an Iranian journalist during a press conference. However, he believes his experience then and Balogun's situation now cannot be fully compared.

Adams said with a laugh: "Honestly, I don't think what he experienced is the same as what I experienced; those are two completely different situations. My situation back then could have actually started a war, whereas his... might be something completely different. But yes, it was a different situation, and I can certainly understand how it felt to be in the spotlight like that."

With the 2026 World Cup concluded, the USMNT has entered a new cycle. Head coach Pochettino has called up the team for friendlies against Peru, Chile, Canada, and Mexico, with eight young players selected, including Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan.

Adams himself was once a rising young American star, making his senior national team debut in 2017 at age 18. Today, he has become one of Pochettino's most trusted senior players.

How do you evaluate Pochettino?

Adams: "As a coach, I respect him greatly, but as a person, I respect him even more because his values align with mine, including how he respects and treats everyone."

"He genuinely cares about you on a deeper level. I think anyone who has been around football for a long time knows that this is actually a very rare thing."

Facing a new group of young players, Adams said he would welcome and help them, while also reminding them to be patient and work hard. Before 17-year-old Adri Mehmedi and 18-year-old Julian Hall reported to the national team, Adams had already spoken with both New York Red Bulls players to help ease their nerves and build their confidence.

Adams: "We didn't just experience failure. They will now have time to develop in the right way, step by step."

However, Adams also made clear that he would not give these players special treatment simply because of their age.

Adams: "I won't give anyone preferential treatment, believe me. No one here will be treated like a little kid."

"I don't care if you're from Dortmund or from Europe, I don't care where you come from. When you come to the national team, you are a USMNT player. What we need to think about is, how can we get the best out of you?"

"If I need to go into a 50/50 challenge with you, I'll do it with everything I've got. Whether you're 16, 25, or 35 years old. That's my mentality, and that's how I was raised."

Finally, Adams offered his advice to young players hoping to help the USMNT reach new heights.

Adams: "What these kids need to understand is that they have to work hard every single day. If you fall, if you make a bad pass, or you make any mistake, so what? Move on to the next play. That's how you develop."

"You've now opened this door, and this is your opportunity. We don't want to set unrealistic expectations for anyone, but the opportunity is in front of you, so make the most of it."

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