The United States men’s national team crashed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday, falling to a ruthless Belgium side 4-1 in Seattle. The defeat ended the tournament for the last remaining co-host, with Canada and Mexico having already been eliminated during the weekend.
Charles De Ketelaere delivered a masterful performance for the Red Devils, scoring twice inside the opening quarter of an hour to set the tone. The Atalanta forward opened the scoring in the ninth minute, converting a cutback from Nicolas Raskin, before restoring Belgium’s lead moments after Malik Tillman had briefly drawn the hosts level with a deflected free-kick.
The timing of De Ketelaere’s second goal proved devastating. Tillman’s strike had offered the USA hope, yet within 61 seconds of the restart, the striker glanced home a cross from Leonardo Trossard to make it 2-1. “Today we didn’t show our real quality as a team,” admitted USA coach Mauricio Pochettino. “We need to accept that sometimes this type of thing happens. But in a tournament like a World Cup, when that happens, you don’t have another chance.”
Defensive errors prove costly
The United States’ hopes unravelled further early in the second half when goalkeeper Matt Freese charged from his area to intercept a through ball, only to misjudge the situation completely. De Ketelaere forced the error, allowing substitute Hans Vanaken to roll the ball into an empty net. “Obviously, disappointed for my error and judgment on the third goal,” Freese said. “I wish the result was different.”
Romelu Lukaku compounded American misery in stoppage time, sealing a 4-1 scoreline that accurately reflected Belgium’s dominance. Rudi Garcia’s side restricted the USA to just two shots in the first half and controlled possession, exploiting spaces behind the American press with ruthless efficiency.
Christian Pulisic acknowledged Belgium’s superior execution. “I wouldn’t say we weren’t as aggressive [as in previous games],” the winger explained. “Belgium had a good game plan. They played balls in behind us when we pressed and caused a lot of problems, won a lot of second balls, and they were good in the boxes. That’s what the game comes down to. And they were clinical.”
Co-hosts eliminated
The result marks the fourth time since 2010 that the USA have exited at the Round of 16 stage, their only victory at this phase in that period coming against Mexico in 2002. Despite FIFA overturning Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension from the previous round, the Monaco striker was unable to find the net against a Belgian defence featuring tournament debutant Nathan Ngoy.
Belgium’s progress came at a cost, however, with midfielder Amadou Onana sustaining a serious injury that forced his withdrawal during the first half. The Red Devils will face Spain in the quarter-finals, seeking to reach the last four for the second time in three World Cup editions.