Belgium produced a dominant performance to defeat the United States 4-1 and eliminate the co-hosts from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The US national team entered the tournament with every conceivable home advantage — automatic qualification, a favourable group draw, and passionate home crowds. However, they delivered a flat and uninspired display that ultimately led to their exit.
Charles De Ketelaere gave Belgium the lead after just nine minutes, exposing a poor start by the Americans.
Malik Tillman equalised in the 31st minute with a goal from a deflected free kick, but De Ketelaere restored Belgium’s advantage just two minutes later with a clinical header.
Disaster struck for the USMNT in the 57th minute when goalkeeper Matt Freese was dispossessed outside his box, allowing Hans Vanaken to score into an empty net. Romelu Lukaku added a fourth goal in second-half stoppage time to complete the rout.
