USA eliminated by Belgium in World Cup 2026 last-16
The United States men's national team was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the round of 16 in Seattle. Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere scored twice in the first half, with Malik Tillman equalizing for the USA via a free kick. However, De Ketelaere restored Belgium's lead before halftime. In the second half, Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku added goals for Belgium. USA goalkeeper Matt Freese made an acrobatic save early but later conceded a goal after losing the ball near his own penalty area. Christian Pulisic was substituted due to an apparent injury after a challenge by Youri Tielemans. Belgium will face Spain in the quarter-finals in Los Angeles. Fans gathered at fan parks in Kansas City, San Diego, and on the National Mall in Washington DC to watch the match.
Key facts
- USA lost 4-1 to Belgium in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
- Charles De Ketelaere scored two goals for Belgium.
- Malik Tillman equalized for USA with a free kick.
- Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku also scored for Belgium.
- Christian Pulisic was substituted due to injury.
- Matt Freese made an acrobatic save but also made a costly error.
- Belgium will face Spain in the quarter-finals in Los Angeles.
- Fans gathered in Kansas City, San Diego, and Washington DC.
Entities
Artists
- Folarin Balogun
- Malik Tillman
- Christian Pulisic
- Matt Freese
- Antonee Robinson
- Charles De Ketelaere
- Thibaut Courtois
- Timothy Castagne
- Youri Tielemans
- Hans Vanaken
- Romelu Lukaku
Institutions
- FIFA
- United States men's national soccer team
- Belgium national football team
Locations
- Seattle
- United States
- Kansas City
- San Diego
- Washington DC
- Los Angeles
- Spain