KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - There was no sticking around to celebrate at Fan Fest Monday night. A special Fan Fest date was scheduled to give supporters of the U.S. Men’s National Team a place to watch the team’s round of 16 match against Belgium.
They packed the venue and were picked as the primary United States reaction cam for the official match broadcasts.
They left dejected after a single free-kick goal by Malik Tillman was no match for Belgium, who scored early and often in a 4-1 U.S. defeat.
The performance was not what fans were expecting after the strong showing in previous matches. Some fans shouted curses at the team. Others shared a more nuanced — and in some cases even optimistic —response.
“A little bit of a roller coaster of emotions,” said USMNT fan Silas King. “There’s some highs, many lows, probably more lows than highs, especially here at the end, we had a few pretty decent opportunities, but we just couldn’t quite get it to the back of the net.”
ADVERTISEMENT
[ Belgium outclasses U.S., ending Americans’ run in Round of 16 with 4-1 win ]
Souleymane Adam, who came to the United States from Sudan 12 years ago, was with his entire family and all positivity.
“This is not the result that we really want,” he said. “But at least you know we enjoy it while it lasts, and I know this is a great moment for American soccer, and this is the beginning.”
Couple Lily and Jameson Schlup echoed his sentiment and completed his thought.
“We still love you, USA,” Jameson Schlup said. “We got it next time.”
Nine-year-old Kian Ahadzadeh weighed the good against the bad and still left happy.
“Because I got to go to Fan Festival 2026,” he said.
Copyright 2026 KCTV. All rights reserved.