LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Team USA lost to Türkiye on Wednesday night in its final 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D match, but fans gathered at Ellis Island Casino for a watch party remained confident about the team’s path forward.
The watch party drew locals and tourists who cheered throughout the match. The U.S. scored first, but Turkey tied the game, tightening the score as the night progressed.
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Despite the loss, fans said they were proud of the team’s performance in the group stage. The U.S. won its first three group stage matches — a first in men’s team history.
“It’s surprising that USA has never been good, but this year, we’re so good,” said Carlos Leyco, a Team USA soccer fan at the watch party. “I’m just so proud of our guys.”
Leyco said a win would have been significant heading into the elimination round but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to advance.
“We always have to believe, no matter what,” another fan said.
Other fans at the watch party said they believe the U.S. could win the World Cup.
“A hundred percent,” one fan said. “Bet the house on it.”
Some fans also expressed support for other nations. One fan said she was a Mexico supporter and was happy with how Mexico performed in the group stage, winning three games to advance to the next round.
“Yesterday we cheered for Mexico, and today we party for the USA,” the fan said. “And that’s America.”
The U.S. team will play its next match on Wednesday.
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