SEATTLE– Belgium ended the United States magical run at the 2026 World Cup with a resounding 4-1 victory in the Round of 16 on Monday, July 6. Belgium dominated from the onset at the packed Seattle Stadiun, scoring in the 9th minute as Team USA struggled to find any rhythm on offense while committing egregious blunders in their zone leading to Belgian goals.
The United States is all too familiar with being eliminated from the Round of 16. Getting knocked out in the Round of 16 in 2010, 2014, and 2022, and has only made it to one quarterfinal since 1930.
The U.S. side righted the ship when Malik Tillman delivered the equalizer off a free kick in the 31st minute, just as he did in the win over Bosnia, but Belgium quickly responded with a goal of its own to retake the lead.
It was an incredibly frustrating, and disappointing performance. Given all of the pregame hype, jubilant American fans in patriotic Red White and Blue garb forced to witness the worst game of the World Cup.
We were tentative, it was the breakdown against Belgium. It got embarrassing in the second half, as we couldn’t even clear our zone- which led to a pair of absolutely inexcusable goals.
USA Goalkeeper Matt Freese erred in the 56th minute by coming up to meet the ball and failing to gain control of it. It was an ugly play, and Belgium easily got the ball past Tim Ream to find the back of the net and go up 3–1.
It only got worse at this juncture, United States superstar Christian Pulisic was subbed off shortly thereafter, and received attention on his calf from staff as he buried his face in his shirt.
” We gave it our best shot. But they were just too strong, ” said Sally Johnson from nearby Santa Monica. ” it was so much fun and i’m so proud of the team. ”
The World Cup’s three host nations are now all out of the tournament after advancing to the round of 16, with Canada falling to Morocco on Saturday, and Mexico losing Sunday in a tight match, a 3-2 loss with England at home in Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca.
Had the United Stattes prevailed, they would have reached the quarterfinal, which, by the way, is at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday.
Rather, it will be Spain taking on Belgium on Friday, July 10 at high noon. This marks the final World Cup match at Los Angeles Stadium.
