The U.S. men’s national team saw its World Cup hopes end on Monday with a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16 at Lumen Field in Seattle. The USMNT, strong for much of the tournament at home, struggled in this match.
Charles De Ketelaere put Belgium ahead just nine minutes in, making it a tough start for the U.S. Once again, the U.S. exits in the round of 16, as it has in its last three World Cups.
Although the team managed to win a knockout game this time, the result is still disappointing. Malik Tillman tied the game in the 31st minute with a deflected free kick, but De Ketelaere quickly restored Belgium’s lead with a header.
In the 57th minute, Matt Freese lost the ball outside his box, and Hans Vanaken scored into an open net while Tim Ream tried to stop it. Romelu Lukaku scored Belgium’s fourth goal in stoppage time.
Belgium moved into the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a clear 4-1 win over the United States at Lumen Field in Seattle.
This loss ended the United States’ World Cup run after a strong showing at home, but a disappointing final match.
Belgium started well, taking the lead in the ninth minute when Charles De Ketelaere scored after the U.S. had a slow start.
The U.S. answered in the 31st minute when Malik Tillman tied the game with a deflected free kick, but just two minutes later, De Ketelaere put Belgium back in front with a header.
The game shifted toward Belgium in the 57th minute after a mistake by U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese. He lost the ball outside his penalty area, and Hans Vanaken scored into an empty net, even though Tim Ream tried to clear it.
Romelu Lukaku added a fourth goal deep into stoppage time to complete an emphatic victory and seal Belgium’s place in the last eight.
For the U.S., this loss means another exit in the round of 16, continuing their wait for a deeper World Cup run, even with the benefit of playing at home.
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