sports
United States advances from group stage but loses 4-1 to Belgium in World Cup round of 16
The U.S. won its group for the first time since 1930 before falling to Belgium. Folarin Balogun scored three goals and Malik Tillman added five international goals during the tournament.
Jul 7, 11:42 AM·2m read4 sources
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The United States men's national team lost to Belgium 4-1 in the Round of 16 at Lumen Field in Seattle on July 6, 2026, ending its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. Belgium scored in the ninth minute. Malik Tillman equalized with a 25-yard free kick in the 31st minute.
Belgium regained the lead 61 seconds later. Goalkeeper Matt Freese gave the ball away outside the penalty area, allowing Hans Vanaken to score Belgium's third goal. The United States conceded four goals, the most in a World Cup match since a 5-1 loss to Czechoslovakia in 1990.
The United States had won Group D for the first time since 1930. It defeated Paraguay 4-1 on June 12 and Australia 2-0 before losing 3-2 to Türkiye after resting most regular players. In the Round of 16 it defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 on July 1 at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.
Folarin Balogun scored three goals in the tournament, the second-highest total by a U.S. forward since Bert Patenaude's four in 1930. The 25-year-old received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina but was cleared by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee to play against Belgium.
Malik Tillman, 24, scored five international goals after entering the tournament with three in 30 caps and became the first player since France's Bernard Genghini in 1982 to score from free kicks in consecutive World Cup matches. Christian Pulisic, who has 33 goals in 90 international appearances and one World Cup goal from 2022, suffered a calf injury against Paraguay and a twisted right ankle against Belgium.
Soccer runs through the 2026 World Cup. After the Belgium match he said, "We didn’t get into the game. " Defender Antonee Robinson said, "That just didn't feel like it was us out there today. We didn't win any individual duels.
We looked like we lacked energy. " Balogun said, "I mean, for me, I accepted the decision when I was given the red card, but then I also accepted the decision when I was told I could play. " Pulisic said after the tournament, "I felt really good this summer with the guys, and I thought my level was high.
