The U.S. crashed out of the World Cup round of 16 on Monday, losing 4-1 to a spirited Belgium side in a match that was marred by controversy before kick-off.
Belgium took an early lead in the 9th minute via Charles De Ketelaere, but the joint hosts equalized half an hour into the game, with Malik Tillman hammering home.
But the stalemate only lasted for two minutes, with De Ketelaere scoring again to restore Belgium’s lead.
The European side then notched up a third goal from Hans Vanaken just before the hour mark, before Romelu Lukaku wrapped up the victory with a late strike in injury time.
The match was initially overshadowed by FIFA’s decision to suspend U.S. striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match red-card ban, paving the way for the team’s leading scorer to play.
The ruling has drawn added attention after President Donald Trump defended his call urging FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Balogun’s red card, fueling questions over whether political pressure played a role in the decision.
Balogun was initially sent off during the United States’ 2-0 Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA overturned the decision. Belgium challenged that, but FIFA dismissed the protest as inadmissible while UEFA criticized the ruling as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.”
Separately, Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of lifting the World Cup came to an end after Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain, as Mikel Merino struck late to send his country into the quarterfinals.
U.S. vs Belgium
Charles De Ketelaere of Belgium celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 0-1 during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match.
Robbie Jay Barratt – Ama | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images
Mauricio Pochettino head coach of USA kicks the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Lumen Field (Seattle Stadium) in Seattle, Washington, United States on July 6.
Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty Images
United States of America forward Folarin Balogun during warm ups before the World Cup round of 16 knock out match between United States and Belgium at Lumen Field on Monday, July 6, 2026 in Seattle, WA.
Robert Gauthier | Los Angeles Times | Getty Images
Timothy Castagne #21, Brandon Mechele #4 and players of Belgium walk out the tunnel before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match.
Maja Hitij – Fifa | Fifa | Getty Images
United States fans hold a sign in the stands before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium.
Carl Recine | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images
Referee Raphael Claus shows Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States a red card for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic #4 of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 1, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
Charlotte Wilson | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images
Portugal vs Spain
Mikel Merino #6 of Spain celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Arlington, Texas.
Alex Slitz | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images
Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after the goal scored by Mikel Merino of Spain during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match between Portugal and Spain at Dallas Stadium.
Europa Press Sports | Europa Press | Getty Images
