The United States men’s national soccer team was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a 4-1 defeat against Belgium in the Round of 16 at Seattle Stadium on Monday evening. The loss ends the co-hosts’ tournament run, while Belgium advances to the quarterfinals.
Belgium opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a tap-in from Charles De Ketelaere. The Americans equalized in the 31st minute through Malik Tillman’s deflected free kick, but De Ketelaere answered two minutes later with a header to restore the Belgian lead.
The Red Devils capitalized on a misplay by U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese in the 57th minute, allowing Hans Vanaken to extend the lead to 3-1. Romelu Lukaku secured the final scoreline with a stoppage-time strike in the 92nd minute.
The match followed pre-game controversy regarding U.S. striker Folarin Balogun. A FIFA disciplinary panel unexpectedly delayed Balogun’s red-card suspension on Sunday following a reported phone call between President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Belgium advances to the quarterfinals to face Spain in Los Angeles on Friday. The defeat concludes the tournament for the U.S., matching their Round of 16 exit from 2014.
