7/7/2026

The US was looking to be the only host country to make it out of the round of 16. They ended up just like Mexico and Canada ousted in the round of 16. The Florian Balogun red card roller coaster ride leading up to the match seemed to stoke the Belgian teams fire. 

Belgium 4, USA 1

Belgium came out of the gates firing on all cylinders leading to a great save by US keeper Matt Freese in the second minute.

In the 9th minute Belgium was on the attack again and it looked like Alex Freeman made a good stop but his clearance didn’t go very far. The rest of the US back line got caught watching the ball land while Belgium’s Nicolas Raskin came charging forward and getting a pass away. The pass found Charles De Ketelaere for an easy tap in goal and an early 1-0 lead. 

The US looked overwhelmed and out of sorts early and the hydration break settled them down.

In the 31st minute the US got some life thanks to a set piece goal by Malik Tillman. However that second wind got knocked out of them when De Ketelaere got his second goal 61 seconds later. The Red Devils of Belgium took a 2-1 lead into halftime.

Halftime Belgium 2, USA 1

The second half came out and it looked like the US was starting to build some momentum. Christian Pulisic got the ball at the top of the 18 yard box in the 54th.  Belgium’s Youri Tielemans was able to tap the ball away just as Pulisic was shooting. The US forward ended up kicking Tielemans foot and going down injured. 

Belgium countered in the 57th minute with a long ball over the top of the US back line. Matt Freese had to come out of the box to try and make a play. Although Freese’s initial touch was good, the indecision to clear the ball paired with a bad pass backward left the goal wide open. Belgium’s Hans Vanaken seized the opportunity and Belgium took a 3-1 lead. 

The Stars and Stripe had several chances but could find an answer to the Belgium defense. 

Chris Richards has been the lone bright spot on an underwhelming US backline all game. Romelu Lukaku intercepted a bad pass from Richards and notched the final goal of the match.

The US World Cup started with a bang and ended with a fizzle. They won their group and won a knockout match but can’t get out of the round of 16 for the 4th World Cup in a row that they have qualified.

Belgium looks to get to their first ever World Cup final but will have to get through a tough Spain team. The Red Devils finished 3rd in Russia in 2018. Is this the year they go all the way?

elisportsnetwork.com