Where is Chris Wondolowski now? The story of 2014 World Cup miss vs. Belgium to today

With the United States looking to make a run in the 2026 World Cup, some fans have lamented what could have been in the 2014 tournament.

The USMNT make the knockout stage 12 years ago in Brazil and played Belgium well with a chance to pull off the upset. However, the lasting image of that match is a Chris Wondolowski missed opportunity that ultimately prevented the USMNT from advancing to the next round.

Wondolowski is not a prolific player in United States soccer history, but his name is attached to the team for the wrong reasons. Instead of being a hero, the former MLS star is connected to United States soccer heartbreak.

Here's a look back at Wondolowski's moment vs. Belgium in 2014.

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Chris Wondolowski vs. Belgium 2014

The United States had a chance to win a knockout stage match in the 2014 World Cup vs. Belgium, as the score was tied late with the USMNT making a push. Forward Chris Wondolowski got the ball right near the goal, but sent it long and missed the chance to take a 1-0 lead in stoppage time.

The game went to extra time, where Belgium scored twice and secured a 2-1 lead to advance to the quarterfinals.

Wondolowski was used as a substitution in the 2014 World Cup and had played just four minutes of action leading into this match. However, the forward came into the match midway through the second half and played 49 minutes overall, split between the second half and extra time.

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Chris Wondolowski USMNT career

Wondolowski played for the United States Men's National Team from 2011 to 2016, making his lone World Cup appearance in the 2014 tournament. He had 11 goals total for the United States in international competition, playing in 35 international games overall.

During the 2014 World Cup, Wondolowski appeared in just two games, once in the Group Stage vs. Portugal and again in the Round of 16 against Belgium. Overall, he played 53 minutes in the World Cup for the USMNT during his career.

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Chris Wondolowski MLS career

Wondolowski had a storied career in Major League Soccer, playing in the league from 2005 to 2021. Wondolowski spent much of his career with San Jose Earthquakes, but also had a brief stint playing for the Houston Dynamo.

In fact, Wondolowski is the all-time scoring leader in MLS history, producing 173 goals in 416 matches throughout his career, 171 of which came in the regular season. Wondolowski also led the league in scoring in both 2010 and 2012, and he was named to the MLS Best XI in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Additionally, he won two MLS Cups in his career, both with the Dynamo back-to-back in 2006 and 2007.

Where is Chris Wondolowski now?

Wondolowski retired from professional soccer following the 2021 MLS season. After retiring, Wondolowski remained with the Earthquakes, first as an interim assistant coach then as a member of the team's technical staff and front office.

Earlier this year, Wondolowski was inducted into the Major League Soccer Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026.