USMNT’s World Cup run ends with heavy Belgium defeat

The United States men’s national team is out of the World Cup after losing 4-1 to Belgium in the round of 16 at Lumen Field in Seattle. Belgium struck early, responded immediately after the U.S. equalizer, and pulled away in the second half.

Charles De Ketelaere gave Belgium the lead in the ninth minute before Malik Tillman’s free kick brought the U.S. level in the 31st. The match turned again almost instantly, with De Ketelaere scoring his second less than a minute later to restore Belgium’s advantage.

The U.S. chase became much harder after Matt Freese’s second-half mistake led to Hans Vanaken making it 3-1, and Romelu Lukaku added a fourth goal in stoppage time. ESPN’s ratings reflected the frustration, giving Freese and Christian Pulisic 2/10, while manager Mauricio Pochettino received 5/10.

For the U.S., the result continues a familiar World Cup pattern: another exit at the last-16 stage, now the fourth such finish in the past five tournaments. The immediate debate will likely focus on defensive errors, the team’s inability to control key stretches, and whether the attacking core delivered enough under pressure.