Story perspectives

U.S. Falls 4-1 to Belgium, Ends 2002 Quarterfinal Streak

7/9/2026

Summary

US Eliminated

The United States lost 4-1 to Belgium in the round of 16 in Seattle, its first quarterfinal miss since 2002.
U.S. Soccer Federation thanked fans for attendance and viewership and said it is discussing a contract extension for coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Carli Lloyd criticized the team’s confidence and highlighted Christian Pulisic’s turnovers.
Betting firms said the match set a sportsbook record as the United States entered as a –130 favorite.

Summary

FIFA Suspends

FIFA suspended U.S. team manager Sam Zapatka and security vice-president Frank Pannell before the Belgium match over alleged protocol breaches and unauthorized access during the July 1 Bosnia win.
U.S. Soccer said suspensions were unrelated to forward Folarin Balogun’s red-card reversal, which President Donald Trump said he asked FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review.
Balogun apologized on X after the 4-1 loss, saying the setback will fuel soccer growth in America.

Summary

Fans Spark Culture

TikTok and Instagram users highlighted Congo tunnel outfits, Matheus Cunha’s surfing celebration and Colombia’s chant, turning the match into a cultural conversation.
Nielsen finds 62 million U.S. soccer fans—fourth-largest base—more responsive to brand sponsorships than NFL, NBA or MLB fans, with 69% interested in arts and culture and 78% among Hispanics.
Adidas turned Brooklyn Bridge Park into a Home of Soccer, letting fans meet David Beckham, Paul Pogba and Trinity Rodman.

Summary

Infantino Pledges Equality

$16 million from the men’s Round-of-16 prize pool allocates 20 % to U.S. Soccer and pools the remaining 80 %.
Each of the 26 men receives $246,153.85, with the same amount set aside for each qualified woman.
The women’s share sits in an interest-bearing account until the roster is set after the Nov. 27 El Salvador qualifier.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino pledged equal prize pools for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, though totals are unknown.

History

Historical Context

The 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States opened its knockout stage on July 2 and ended with a Rose Bowl final that drew over 94,000 spectators, while the U.S. earned a round-of-16 win—their first since 1950. Featuring 16 teams, the tournament raised soccer’s U.S. profile. The 2026 World Cup extends that legacy, with the United States hosting a round-of-16 match against Belgium in Seattle.

1 of 5

US Eliminated

The United States lost 4-1 to Belgium in the round of 16 in Seattle, its first quarterfinal miss since 2002.
U.S. Soccer Federation thanked fans for attendance and viewership and said it is discussing a contract extension for coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Carli Lloyd criticized the team’s confidence and highlighted Christian Pulisic’s turnovers.
Betting firms said the match set a sportsbook record as the United States entered as a –130 favorite.

1 / 5