Belgium Stuns USA in Seattle

In the round-of-16 at Lumen Field, Seattle, the United States lost 4–1 to Belgium. Charles De Ketelaere scored in the 9th minute and again two minutes after Malik Tillman’s equaliser from a free-kick (31´). De Ketelaere’s second header (33´) restored the lead, Hans Vanaken added a third after a Matt Freese error (57´), and Romelu Lukaku sealed the win in stoppage time. Belgium held 53 % possession, five shots on target to one for the U.S., and created four big chances while the Americans produced none.

ESPN

The 2026 World Cup was the United States’ third straight round-of-16 exit, after losses to Belgium in 2014 and the Netherlands in 2022. The team entered with three knockout wins, including a 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina after playing a man down. Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino, hired in late 2024, fielded a back-four of Tim Ream (captain), Sergiño Dest, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson, with midfield anchored by Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie. Pochettino said the “principal responsible is myself” and that “it wasn’t our day.” He declined to discuss his future, noting his contract expires after the tournament. U.S. Soccer had reportedly offered an extension but has not announced a decision.

Mauricio Pochettino Drops Big Hint On His USMNT Future Immediately After Their World Cup Exit

Media analysis described the U.S. start as “sloppy” and lacking intensity. Defensive lapses included Ream’s positioning on two Belgian goals and Freese’s mis-play that allowed Vanaken’s long-range strike. Dest was labeled a “mess” on the right, while McKennie appeared “scattered” and offered insufficient steel in midfield. Pochettino’s halftime substitution of Dest for Gio Reyna failed to change the momentum, and only three changes were made before stoppage time, exposing limited squad depth. Player ratings ranged from 2/10 for Freese to 5/10 for Tillman, with most outfielders scoring between 3 and 6.

ESPN

Two days before kickoff, a FIFA disciplinary panel postponed striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban after President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Belgian federation chief Rudi Garcia called the move a “big mistake,” while U.S. officials denied any political influence. The reinstatement allowed Balogun to start, but match reports do not link the decision to the on-field result, and analysts remain divided on its impact.

NPR

• “Maybe the explanation is so easy: it wasn’t our day, collectively and individually,” — Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT head coach

Mauricio Pochettino Takes Responsibility After USA's World Cup Exit

• “I think this team showed that we can play football, we can play soccer, we can compete," he said.” — Mauricio Pochettino

ESPN

• “We were not good enough today. We don’t need to find another excuse.” — Mauricio Pochettino

Sports Illustrated

Pochettino said he is “open” to remaining but will await the federation’s decision after a period of rest and reflection. The USMNT’s next competitive window is the September–October 2026 international break, when roster changes and tactical adjustments are expected. Belgium will face Spain in the quarter-finals in Los Angeles.

Mauricio Pochettino Drops Big Hint On His USMNT Future Immediately After Their World Cup Exit