The United States have been knocked out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a crushing 4-1 defeat to Belgium in their Round of 16 encounter on Tuesday.
Despite the controversial inclusion of Folarin Balogun in the starting lineup, the tournament co-hosts were comprehensively outclassed by a dominant Belgian side inspired by a brace from Charles De Ketelaere and further strikes from Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku.
Malik Tillman scored the Americans’ lone goal, but it proved little more than a consolation as Belgium’s superior quality was evident throughout the contest at Seattle Stadium.
Ahead of the match, much of the attention centred on Balogun, who had scored three goals for the United States at the tournament. The 25-year-old striker was expected to miss the clash after receiving a red card in the previous round.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn after US President Donald Trump reportedly requested FIFA to review the suspension. The world football governing body subsequently cleared Balogun to play, a decision that sparked widespread criticism. UEFA reportedly described the move as “unjustifiable,” while the Belgian Football Association vowed to challenge the ruling.
American supporters welcomed Balogun’s return, cheering loudly when his name was announced before kick-off. Their optimism, however, was short-lived.
Belgium took the lead in the ninth minute when De Ketelaere finished from close range after a precise delivery from Nicolas Raskin.
The US briefly restored hope in the 31st minute when Balogun won a free-kick on the edge of the area, and Tillman stepped up to curl home the equaliser.
Belgium responded almost immediately. Just two minutes later, De Ketelaere grabbed his second of the match, rising above Tim Ream to head home Leandro Trossard’s cross and restore his side’s advantage.
Vanaken and Lukaku added further goals as Belgium sealed an emphatic victory and booked their place in the quarter-finals.
The Red Devils will now face Spain on July 10, while the United States’ World Cup campaign comes to an end despite home support and the high-profile controversy surrounding Balogun’s availability.
