The United States men’s national team saw its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign end in familiar fashion Monday, falling 4-1 to Belgium in the round of 16 at Seattle Stadium.
Belgium struck first in the ninth minute, when Charles De Ketelaere finished from close range inside the box with a simple tap-in.
The U.S. pulled level in the 31st minute through Malik Tillman’s direct free kick, but the momentum shift lasted only briefly as De Ketelaere scored again two minutes later to restore Belgium’s lead.
Belgium extended the advantage in the 57th minute after U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese was punished for an error, losing control of the ball while attempting to clear it outside the penalty area.
Romelu Lukaku sealed the result in stoppage time, scoring in the 92nd minute after entering as a substitute in the 67th. The goal was the 93rd of his international career for Belgium.
The defeat brought an end to a U.S. tournament run that featured three wins and one loss before Monday’s elimination.
The Americans began group play with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay followed by a 2-0 win against Australia. Despite a 3-2 defeat to Türkiye, the U.S. still finished atop Group D and advanced to the knockout rounds. In the Round of 32, it beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 to set up the meeting with Belgium.
The United States has now failed to move beyond the round of 16 since 2002, when it defeated Mexico 2-0 before losing to Germany in the quarterfinals. The finish also mirrors its 1994 World Cup result, the last time the U.S. hosted the tournament.
Belgium advances to the quarterfinals and will play Spain, which beat Portugal 1-0 in Dallas on Monday.
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