LA Galaxy coach Greg Vanney says Team USA was ‘too naive,’ explains Christian Pulisic’s struggles
CARSON, California — On a warm Thursday at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney stood on the practice field and answered questions.
When we asked a few days ago about Team USA’s exit from the World Cup, Vanney pointed out one problem: Americans were too naive.
That afternoon, Belgium, which eliminated the United States, was scheduled to train at Dignity Health Sports Park ahead of Friday’s match against Spain in the World Cup quarterfinals, prompting increased security around the Galaxy’s training complex.
AFTER the defeat to BELGIUM, many are wondering whether the USA team is better or worse than it was a decade ago.
LA Galaxy coach Greg Vanney shares a frank assessment of Team USA’s World Cup exit and Christian Pulisic’s struggles. (Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) ((Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images))
“Collectively, the team went into the final match completely pure from top to bottom,” Vanney said.
“That immediately put us on our heels. Against world-class opposition, it’s incredibly difficult to get your rhythm back when you’re behind like that. We have to be less naive in the World Cup qualifying environment.”
The Galaxy coach breaks down why Team USA is falling short, why Christian Pulisic can’t keep up and what North American soccer needs to change before the next World Cup.
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We also asked Vanney about Christian Pulisic, who never quite started the World Cup.
Christian Pulisic of the United States leaves the field after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo: Luke Hales/Getty Images)
“It was a tough tournament for Christian because he came in so fast but got injured in the opening game,” Vanney said.
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“The World Cup waits for no one; it gets harder and harder with each round and he hasn’t had time to find his rhythm. When you take a knock in an unforgiving tournament you run the risk of losing your form and your connection with the system. He belongs on this stage, he is a world-class player but he was absolutely unlucky.”
To Vanney, Pulisic’s struggles reflected a larger problem. Against Belgium, Team USA was not ready for the demands of a World Cup qualifying game.
Greg Vanney explains why Team USA’s World Cup streak remains unresolved as he reflects on Christian Pulisic’s tough tournament. (Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ((Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images))
Then came the arrival of Belgium.
As the media session ended and the vehicles exited the Dignity Health Sports Park, a bus carrying a large Belgian flag passed through the gates.
Belgium was able to go to Dignity Health Sports Park after FIFA approved the last-minute venue change. Extreme heat and heavy use damaged the turf of the team’s original home base at Loyola Marymount University, creating an injury risk ahead of Friday’s World Cup quarterfinal against Spain.
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While Vanney ponders Team USA’s shortcomings, his attention will soon turn to the Galaxy, which will host crosstown rival LAFC next weekend.
The Galaxy will look to defend their home turf following the departures of Gabriel Pec and Mauricio Cuevas when El Tráfico arrives.
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