sports
Belgium Eliminates Co-Host United States 4-1 as Match Draws Record 42 Million US Viewers
The round-of-16 game between the United States and Belgium attracted 42 million viewers on US media outlets. Belgium won 4-1 to eliminate the co-host nation. Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 the previous day in a match that marked Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup appearance.
Jul 5, 2:44 PM·1m read17 sources
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The men's USA-Belgium round-of-16 match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup drew 42 million viewers on US media outlets, setting a record for the sport. Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 to eliminate the co-host nation from the tournament. A FIFA ruling permitted American striker Folarin Balogun to play in the match despite an earlier red card.
Spain advanced to the quarterfinals with a 1-0 victory over Portugal on July 6 in Arlington, Texas. Mikel Merino scored the only goal in the 90th minute. Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, played his final World Cup match in the loss.
He had stated before the game that the 2026 tournament would be his sixth and last appearance. "Not 100%, but 1,000%. Because I gave everything," Ronaldo said on July 6. Ronaldo finished as Portugal's all-time leading World Cup scorer with 11 goals in 27 appearances, including three in 2026.
He became the first man to score in six different World Cups and the oldest non-goalkeeper to start a World Cup game.
