The moment we had all been waiting for is finally here. In a much-anticipated clash, the USMNT is locking horns with Mexico for the prestigious CONCACAF Gold Cup at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Both sides have given their all to reach this stage and will be eager to lift the trophy, as disappointing their fans would be the last thing either team wants to do. Yet somehow, the American boys have already managed to do just that—even before the game kicked off.

Already, pressure mounts on Mauricio Pochettino and Co. to, well, simply give a good result. Having endured four consecutive defeats in the March and June windows, things have indeed been good enough compared to now, as they successfully made their way to the finals of the Gold Cup. Then again, how could fans keep expectations from them if they aren’t even bothering to sing their national anthem like they’re supposed to?

The commotion began just after both teams’ starting XIs made their way onto the pitch. Before shaking hands with each other and the referees, it was time for a quick national anthem ceremony. On one hand, there was Mexico, singing their Himno Nacional Mexicano with utmost pride, feeling every word of the anthem.

On the other hand, there were the American boys. While they stood with their hands on their chests—almost as if they could feel the emblem of their country through their jackets—the only upsetting part was seeing them react to The Star-Spangled Banner in such a pale manner, barely even attempting to sing along properly.

Not to single out anyone, but only Tyler Adams, Alex Freeman, Matt Freese, and several players and coaching staff from the bench were seen doing so. Hilariously, a few literally started moving their mouth as soon as the camera panned towards them. The rest simply stood, not even mouthing. While for them, this may not seem like a big deal, it does seem to have done some damage in the eyes of fans.

USMNT slammed over poor national anthem display!

The moment the entire national anthem was televised, ardent USMNT fans rushed over to X to express their disbelief over the players’ lack of initiative towards their own national anthem.

Well, no one’s asking them to start singing at the top of their lungs or pronounce every letter with full force. Sure, that’s something almost all of the Mexican team was doing. But this fan is simply asking the USMNT players to at least pretend they’re singing:

“It would be really nice if our national team would actually sing the anthem. Or at least just mouth it. Just saying.”

Then again, one has to understand the gravity of why national anthems are played, especially during such sporting events. It’s not only done to ignite the spirit of the players and fans alike, but also to showcase pride and respect for one’s country on an international stage. Yet, the American boys acted as if they couldn’t care less:

“Signing the national anthem with passion is a staple of international soccer games. Just watched the USMNT give no f**ks about it.”

One can expect Mauricio Pochettino not to sing the American anthem simply because he is Argentinian. And honestly, there’s no point for him to start learning, even though doing so can prove beneficial. Meanwhile, there are these players who have been taught about their nation’s pride song for years, literally since childhood. And on top of that, getting overshadowed by their rival teams in this regard is beyond the comprehension of this fan:

“The USMNT never sings the national anthem with the pride that our CONCACAF counterparts do 😩”

Did you know? Back in November, the USWNT was facing England at Wembley Stadium. Emma Hayes, a London-born, had to face her own nation as the American ladies’ head coach on the very soil that had raised her. Interestingly, before the game, she was asked which nation’s anthem she would be singing amidst the ethical conundrum, to which Hayes replied, “They’re two wonderful national anthems that I love to sing, to be honest with you. Just ’cause I love singing.” 

Now, if such could be the mentality of a foreign coach like Hayes, then apologise, Pochettino, but there remains an expectation from you to, at least, inspire players to sing the national anthem:

“No wonder it’s mostly pro-Mexico at the Gold Cup Final. The whole team is proudly singing their national anthem while our @USMNT players are barely mouthing the words to the American National Anthem. Embarrassing.”

Now, one could give a benefit of doubt to the silent players. Perhaps, before the game, they might have thought of keeping their game face on, maintaining a nonchalant attitude in order to stay focused on winning. Then again, it is still no reason to somehow end up disrespecting the anthem while also upsetting fans. Not to mention, such things aren’t even being done by the rival team like Mexico:

“@USMNT stone faced – one singing the anthem. The @miseleccionmxEN singing, tears in their eyes. Our lack of passion and pride is awful. I’ve never seen this….”

Be that as it may, this is just a glimpse of the reactions you saw on the internet, as many others came to express their discontent over the USMNT stars not bothering to sing their national anthem. Regardless, share your thoughts in the comments.