Final Host Country Falls

Published: Friday, July 10, 2026

by Liam Page

The United States got hit with a major reality check in the round of 16 this week falling 4-1 to Belgium. As a result Belgium will face Spain in the quarterfinals. 

The pressure was on the united states early with goalkeeper Matt Freese having to make an outstanding save in the first minute. Belgium would continue to pile on relentless attack after attack and a moment of hesitation from the US defense inside the 18 yard box would allow Nicholas Raskin to cross the ball in behind Freese and Charles De Ketelaere would tap in a goal to put Belgium up 1-0 in the 9th minute. 

The US offense could best be described as lethargic to start the game. Belgium would mount attack after attack while the US struggled to put the ball in their opponents 16 yard box. Belgium would put 4 shots on goal before the US took their first shot. 

After the hydration break the US would begin to string together passes and the US would draw a foul and a free kick near the top of the penalty area. from about 20 yards out Malik Tillman would smash it off of the Belgian wall into the back of the net to level the game 1-1.

The US were then a bit lackadaisical as they allow the Belgians to quickly move up the field and a perfect cross from Leandro Trossard found the head of De Ketelaere for his second goal of the afternoon. now down 2-1, The US would limp into second half, desperate to not go down 3-1 before half. Freese would make a couple of great saves to help towards that end. 

Nothing much would happen straight out of the gate until Freese tried to come out to clear a long ball and would misfire the kick allowing De Ketelaere to tap it back to Hans Vanaken who net the ball on the empty net from about 30 yards out. 

The atmosphere at Lumen Field was absolutely deflated. Sebastian Berhalter, as a sub, would finally get the crowd going on a shot from just outside the penalty area which missed just high. Unfortunately the USMNT also seemed to be deflated especially with the absence of Christian Pulisic who was subbed off for an injury. The last attempt for the US came on a long ball to Folarin Balogun, but he was unable to net the ball past Belgium's keeper Thibaut Courtois. Shortly thereafter, Romelu Lukaku would capitalize on a turnover by the US defense and net the ball for the fourth time for Belgium.

Belgium dominated the first half possession and the United States made too many errors against a team as good as Belgium. Belgium will now have their toughest matchup next however as they will face Spain for a chance to move on to the semi finals. 

For more World Cup updates follow wsou news on Instagram or reach out to Liam Page at liam.page@student.shu.edu for more information.

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