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Record 42 M Watch US Lose 4-1 to Belgium, Trump Intervenes

7/14/2026

47 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The United States lost 4–1 to Belgium in the Round of 16 on July 6, 2026.
The Belgium match attracted 42 million viewers, the most-watched U.S. men’s national team game, surpassing the 27.5 million who watched the earlier U.S. match.
Folarin Balogun’s red-card decision was delayed after President Donald Trump asked FIFA to review it.
The United States became the first U.S. side to win three World Cup games and recorded six different scorers.

History

Historical Context

In June-July 1994 the United States hosted the World Cup and fell 1–0 to Brazil in the round of 16, the tournament’s final day. After a steady presence from 1990 through 2014 and a missed 2018, the U.S. qualified again for 2022 and will co-host 2026, where it lost 4–1 to Belgium. These results reflect the nation’s expanding but still uneven World Cup performance.

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Story summary

The United States lost 4–1 to Belgium in the Round of 16 on July 6, 2026.
The Belgium match attracted 42 million viewers, the most-watched U.S. men’s national team game, surpassing the 27.5 million who watched the earlier U.S. match.
Folarin Balogun’s red-card decision was delayed after President Donald Trump asked FIFA to review it.
The United States became the first U.S. side to win three World Cup games and recorded six different scorers.

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