US team doesn't sing national anthem during third 2023 World Cup match

The US Women's soccer team once again hit the headlines at the World Cup as they remained silent during the playing of The Star-Spangled Banner ahead of their match against Portugal.

The defending champions were accused of disrespect ahead of their 2023 World Cup opener against Vietnam when six of 11 US players stayed silent and did not put their hands over their hearts during the anthem.

Ahead of their second match against the Netherlands, US Women produced another uninspiring performance during the anthem and today, ahead of playing Portugal, it proved the latest divisive episode.

While three players - including striker Alex Morgan - appeared to mumble along to the anthem, many in the squad stood motionless and did not put hands on their heart as the anthem played out. Four players - Morgan, Julie Ertz, Alyssa Naeher and Lindsey Horan - put hands on their chest.

In contrast, Portugal's players all sang proudly as their anthem was played.

'It's sad when only a few players show respect during the national anthem. And many question why Americans are rooting for a U.S. loss,' one fan wrote on Twitter.

'The worlds stage is not the place to try and push your agenda, it where you display pride and togetherness. Go USA!'

Another added: 'What this team just did when the Anthem played was disheartening and disgraceful, especially in contrast to Team Portugal.'

A third said: 'It is embarrassing watching the @USWNT during the National anthem. Thank you @LindseyHoran @julieertz for demonstrating your patriotism.'

Critics have continued to keep an eye on the US women's behavior during the anthem after former team captain Megan Rapinoe knelt in protest of racist police brutality beginning in 2016.

Rapinoe, now playing in her final World Cup, also said in 2019 that she would 'never put my hand over my heart' and 'never sing the national anthem again.'

All but one player knelt in protest before a 2021 game against Australia, but the team was falsely accused of turning its back on the flag and a World War II veteran before another game that year.

Controversy over the anthem at this tournament has drawn plenty of backlash.

Media personality Megyn Kelly has been among the most vocal critics, accusing the players who are staying silent of damaging the United States with their actions.

'I really do believe their version of what a feminist is, what it means to be an empowered woman, at least as an American woman, means you need to hate your country,' Kelly said on SiriusXM's The Megyn Kelly Show.

'It means to go out on the national stage and embarrass yourself and your country by not singing the national anthem. For several of them, not even holding their hands over their hearts when the national anthem played, that was a bridge too far.

'They couldn't be bothered to actually place their hand on their heart as the national anthem played, as they stood out there representing you and me and the country and our military and people who have given their lives for the country that they represent.

'It was too much of an effort [for them] to place their hand over their heart, or God forbid, sing.'

This USA team is bidding for soccer history - looking to become the first team in the men and women's game to win the World Cup in three straight tournaments.