Story perspectives

Belgium Beats USA 3-0; De Ketelaere Brace Sparks Coach Outburst

7/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino angrily kicked water bottles on the sideline after Belgian striker Charles De Ketelaere scored nine minutes in.
Charles De Ketelaere’s two goals, Romelu Lukaku’s late strike and U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese’s misplay gave Belgium a decisive lead as the United States committed defensive lapses.
U.S. forward Christian Pulisic’s limp exit and U.S. substitute Sebastian Berhalter’s inability to create a clear chance hampered the United States attack.

History

Historical Context

Belgium’s World Cup history includes three group-stage draws in 1998 and a 2–1 round-of-16 loss to the United States in Lyon in 2014. That defeat, part of a pattern of narrow exits—Belgium later achieved its best finish, third place, in 2018—has revived U.S. coaching debates and drives tactical reassessments before the next qualifiers.

1 of 2

Story summary

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino angrily kicked water bottles on the sideline after Belgian striker Charles De Ketelaere scored nine minutes in.
Charles De Ketelaere’s two goals, Romelu Lukaku’s late strike and U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese’s misplay gave Belgium a decisive lead as the United States committed defensive lapses.
U.S. forward Christian Pulisic’s limp exit and U.S. substitute Sebastian Berhalter’s inability to create a clear chance hampered the United States attack.

1 / 2