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USA eliminated from 2026 World Cup by Belgium in Round of 16

From La Presse · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The United States men's national soccer team was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after losing 4-1 to Belgium in the Round of 16.
  • Belgium secured their win with two goals from Charles De Ketelaere, a goal from Hans Vanaken, and a late strike from Romelu Lukaku.
  • The US team's defeat means all three co-hosting nations (USA, Canada, Mexico) have been eliminated from the tournament.

The United States men's national soccer team's 2026 World Cup journey ended in Seattle with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16. Despite Folarin Balogun starting after his automatic suspension was postponed by FIFA, the US team could not overcome the Belgian side.

Belgium took an early lead in the 9th minute with a goal from Charles De Ketelaere. The US equalized in the 31st minute through Malik Tillman, but De Ketelaere quickly restored Belgium's advantage just two minutes later. Hans Vanaken extended Belgium's lead in the 57th minute following a goalkeeping error by Matt Freese. Romelu Lukaku, who came on as a substitute, sealed the victory with a goal in stoppage time.

The loss means the United States will not reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. The defeat also marks the end of the tournament for the other co-hosts, Canada and Mexico, who were eliminated earlier in the week. Belgium will now face Spain in Los Angeles for a spot in the semifinals.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Presse in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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