The United States’ hopes of winning the FIFA World Cup on home soil ended with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16, completing the elimination of all three tournament co-hosts.
The loss means the United States joins Canada and Mexico in exiting the competition, leaving the 2026 World Cup without a host nation in the quarter-finals.
The build-up was dominated by the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun. The United States striker was initially handed a one-match ban after his red card in the previous round, but FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee suspended the sanction, making him eligible to face Belgium.
The decision drew strong criticism from the Royal Belgian Football Association, whose appeal was unsuccessful. The controversy intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed he had asked FIFA to review the suspension, although FIFA President Gianni Infantino insisted the governing body’s judicial process was independent and free from outside influence.
Belgium, however, settled the contest on the pitch. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice and provided an assist as the Red Devils punished a series of costly American defensive errors. Malik Tillman briefly levelled with a free kick, but Belgium regained the lead almost immediately before adding two more goals, including a stoppage-time strike from Romelu Lukaku.
Belgium finished with 17 shots, eight on target, compared with the United States’ nine attempts and four on target. The Red Devils also enjoyed more possession and repeatedly exposed the hosts on the counterattack.
The defeat ends the United States’ best World Cup run since 2002 and brings the hosts’ campaign to a disappointing close despite the pre-match drama over Balogun’s availability.
Belgium will face Spain in the quarter-finals on July 10 for a place in the last four.
