Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 on Monday night in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending the Americans’ tournament run and sending Belgium through to the quarterfinals. Despite the defeat, the United States put together one of its most successful World Cup campaigns in recent history, winning its group for the first time since 2010, earning its first knockout-stage victory since 2002, and scoring more goals than in any previous FIFA World Cup appearance.
HOW THEY GOT HERE:
The United States defeated Bosnia & Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32 last Wednesday to advance to the Round of 16. The victory initially appeared to come at a cost, as leading goal scorer Folarin Balogun was shown a red card that would have ruled him out for this match. However, on Sunday, it was announced that the red card had been suspended, allowing Balogun to return to the starting XI.
Belgium pulled off a miraculous comeback against Senegal in the Round of 32 last Wednesday to reach the Round of 16. Trailing 2-0 entering the 86th minute, Belgium scored twice in the closing minutes to force extra time. Then, in the 120th minute, Belgium was awarded a penalty and converted it to complete a stunning 3-2 comeback victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Belgium came flying out of the opening kickoff, immediately taking the game to the U.S. An early corner kick and a shot on goal had goalkeeper Matt Freese getting to work right away.
In the eighth minute, Belgium got on the scoresheet. A defensive miscommunication left Charles De Ketelaere with a wide-open look, and he made the U.S. pay to give Belgium a 1-0 lead.
Malik Tillman answered in the 31st minute. Flo Balogun drew a free kick dead center just outside the 18-yard box. Tillman stepped up and blasted the direct kick off the underside of the crossbar and in to level the match.
Belgium responded almost immediately. Just two minutes later, De Ketelaere headed home his second goal of the match to restore Belgium’s lead and swing the momentum back in its favor.
Belgium took a 2-1 advantage into halftime.
Out of the break, the U.S. brought on Giovanni Reyna for Sergiño Dest and immediately turned up the intensity.
Disaster struck in the 56th minute. Freese was forced well outside the box to deal with a through ball and had to play it with his feet. Hans Vanaken was there to capitalize, sending the ball into an empty net to extend Belgium’s lead to 3-1.
Romelu Lukaku put the final nail in the coffin with a goal in the 92nd minute, sealing a 4-1 victory for Belgium and ending the United States’ World Cup run.
BIG NUMBER: 4
The United States allowed 4 goals against Belgium, their most goals conceded in this World Cup.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Charles De Ketelaere
His two goals were the difference-makers. After Tillman equalized and seemingly shifted the momentum towards the US, De Ketelaere quickly responded to give Belgium back the lead.
UP NEXT: The United States exits the 2026 FIFA World Cup.