Belgium knocks out U.S. men 4-1, ending the Americans' World Cup run in Seattle
Belgium defeated the U.S. Men's National Team 4-1 on Monday night in the World Cup Round of 16 knockout match in Seattle, ending the Americans' hopes of reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in 24 years.
Updated on: July 6, 2026 / 10:40 PM EDT / CBS/AP
The U.S. kicked off the match with the same starting XI as against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32 , but Belgium immediately put pressure on the Americans in the first few minutes of the first half, and Belgian midfielder Charles De Ketelaere put one in the back of the net in the ninth minute.
After a hydration break, the Americans gained their footing, and Malik Tillman was able to even the score after the half-hour mark with a free kick that deflected off the head of a Belgian player.
The tie lasted just about two minutes as De Ketelaere sent a header into the top corner. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino showed his frustration by kicking a rack in front of the bench, sending four water bottles flying.
In the second half, Belgium came back with even more pressure on the U.S. defense. When goalkeeper Matt Freese wandered a little too far off his post in the 56th minute, Hans Vanaken gave Belgium another goal advantage.