The USA's World Cup run came to an end on July 6, 2026, with a 4-1 Round of 16 defeat to Belgium at Seattle Stadium in front of 66,925 fans. Belgium took an early lead in the 9th minute through Charles De Ketelaere, who finished from close range after a pass from Nicolas Raskin. The co-hosts responded in style when Malik Tillman curled a brilliant free-kick past Thibaut Courtois in the 31st minute, leveling the score at 1-1. Tillman's strike was his second direct free-kick goal of the tournament, making him only the second player since 1966 to score two direct free-kicks in a single World Cup, joining France's Bernard Genghini from 1982. The celebrations were short-lived, however, as De Ketelaere restored Belgium's lead just two minutes later with a close-range header. Hans Vanaken extended the lead to 3-1 in the 57th minute after a costly error from goalkeeper Matt Freese, and substitute Romelu Lukaku sealed the victory in stoppage time. USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino acknowledged his side's fighting spirit but admitted defensive lapses proved costly. Belgium advanced to the quarter-finals to face Spain.
