Belgium beats US 4-1 in FIFA World Cup Round of 16

Belgium beats US 4-1 in FIFA World Cup Round of 16

The United States men's national team saw its World Cup aspirations end Monday, July 6, 2026, with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle. The loss eliminates the U.S. In the round of 16, mirroring the team's exit in each of the previous three World Cups.

The match was preceded by significant controversy regarding the eligibility of U.S. Striker Folarin Balogun. Balogun had received a straight red card for a foul on defender Tarik Muharemovic during a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. While FIFA officials initially stated red-card suspensions could not be appealed, the governing body later suspended the ban.

The reversal sparked outrage from the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA), which expressed astonishment. UEFA also criticized the move, stating it undermined the integrity of the game. The controversy intensified following reports that U.S. President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to lobby for the ban's removal. However, Infantino denied that Trump had any impact on the disciplinary proceedings.

Despite the return of Balogun, the tournament's leading scorer with three goals, the U.S. Delivered what was described as a flat and uninspired performance. Belgium took control early, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring in the ninth minute after a low cross from Nicolas Raskin.

The U.S. Managed a brief equalizer in the 31st minute when Malik Tillman scored from a free kick that took a deflection off the head of Hans Vanaken. The parity lasted only two minutes; De Ketelaere restored Belgium's lead by heading home a cross from Leandro Trossard.

The second half began with a shift in the U.S. Formation to a back four as Giovanni Reyna replaced Sergino Dest. However, a defensive collapse in the 57th minute proved decisive. Goalkeeper Matt Freese was dispossessed outside his box after taking too long to play a long ball, allowing De Ketelaere to steal the ball and Hans Vanaken to score into an open net. This goal followed the earlier exit of Amadou Onana, who was replaced by Vanaken due to a knee injury.

The U.S. Suffered further setbacks as Christian Pulisic was forced off due to an injury, replaced by Sebastian Berhalter. Late in the game, Romelu Lukaku, who had started on the bench, replaced De Ketelaere and added a final goal in second-half stoppage time to finalize the 4-1 scoreline.

Belgium's victory was bolstered by the decision of coach Rudi Garcia to bench stars Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku in favor of Dodi Lukébakio. The move followed a friendly in Atlanta a few months prior where Belgium defeated the U.S. 5-2.

With this result, Belgium advances to the quarterfinals to face Spain. Spain secured their own place in the next round on Monday after defeating Portugal 1-0 via a late goal from Mikel Merino.