FOX Is Begging Americans To Keep Watching Soccer After Monday's Loss

Despite the record number of fans who tuned in to the USMNT during their World Cup run, it's doubtful that even a tenth of that number stay tuned in.

by Tzvi Machlin

Jul 7, 2026

FOX's coverage.

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A sad truth about soccer in the United States is that despite the record number of fans who tuned in to the USMNT during their World Cup run, it's doubtful that even a tenth of that number stay tuned in to the U.S. men's team or any soccer team until the next World Cup in 2030. FOX is hoping to change that - albeit in a very awkward way.

At the end of the USMNT's 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Belgium, FOX play-by-play man John Strong pleaded with the tens of millions of Americans watching (or however many were left) that they continue enjoying soccer and supporting the game at the local level. He practically begged fans not to wait another four years before watching soccer again.

“If you’ve enjoyed what you’re seeing, well, support your local team,” Strong said. “This doesn’t have to be the last soccer you watch for the next four years. It’s a beautiful sport…”

Missing the Mark

Unfortunately for Strong, the timing of the plea simply didn't gel with Americans who were fuming after being so humiliated on a global stage. Many mocked or even criticized Strong and FOX's announcing team for trying to beg them to keep watching:

"Playing so bad that the announcer has to beg viewers not to give up on the sport, that's a new level of embarrassing," one user remarked.

"That was the worst game of the tournament, I can’t wait for USMNT to come back in four years," another said dismissively.

"He sounded like me podcasting about judo or fencing on the last day of the Olympics," Mitch Goldich joked.

July 1, 2026; Santa Clara, California, U.S.; Folarin Balogun of the U.S. is consoled by Giovanni Reyna and Timothy Weah after receiving a red card. Mandatory Credit: Carlos Barria-Reuters via Imagn Images

"Hilarious plea there to America to not stop watching soccer."

"The announcers begging US viewers to not stop watching the World Cup now that we've lost is the depressing cherry on top."

"OMG the 'please keep watching soccer' message as the U.S. is getting waffle-stomped is NOT HELPING …"

The good news is, the World Cup will almost certainly inspire many new fans to at least give soccer a try. It just won't be a new cultural phenomenon like it could have been if we had won against Belgium - or at least put up a decent fight.