USA Falls to Belgium 4-1, Completing Elimination Sweep of All Three World Cup Co-Hosts

The United States lost 4-1 to Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice and adding an assist. The result completes the elimination of all three co-host nations, Canada, Mexico, and the USA from the 2026 tournament. Belgium advances to face Spain in the quarterfinals on Friday, July 10.

USA’s World Cup Run Ends in Round of 16 Loss to Belgium

The United States’ 2026 World Cup dream came to an end Monday with a humiliating loss to Belgium in the Round of 16. This completes a rough weekend for the tournament’s three co-host nations, as Canada and Mexico were both eliminated in the days prior.

USA came out flat in front of the home crowd, making mistakes that big teams don’t forgive. The return of Flo Balogun made very little difference even though he had some good looks. Charles De Ketelaere was the story of the match for Belgium, delivering a two-goal, one-assist performance to lead the Red Devils past the Americans in front of a home crowd in Seattle. Alexis Saelemaekers and Hans Vanaken also found the net for Belgium, while Malik Tillman scored the USA’s lone goal. The loss marks the fourth time the USMNT has been eliminated at the Round of 16 stage since 2010.

The result closes out what had been a historic tournament for the U.S. team on home soil, and ends any chance of a co-host making a deep run in this expanded, 48-team World Cup. Belgium advances to face Spain in the quarterfinals on Friday, July 10.

For the full schedule, results, and knockout bracket, check out our complete World Cup 2026 hub.