USA eliminated from 2026 World Cup after 4-1 loss to Belgium

Belgium opened the scoring with a 9th‑minute strike from Charles De Ketelaere, who added a second on the 33rd minute. The U.S. responded with a 31st‑minute free‑kick goal from Malik Tillman, but Belgium answered again on the 35th minute. A 57th‑minute error by goalkeeper Matt Freese gave Belgium a third, and a 92nd‑minute goal from substitute Romelu Lukaku sealed a 4‑1 defeat.

The loss ends a run that began with a 4‑1 win over Paraguay and a 2‑0 victory against Australia, followed by a 3‑2 loss to Turkey. After a 2‑0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, the U.S. entered the knockout stage as Group D winners but fell short of the quarter‑finals for the first time since 2002. palladian.co.za