After days of anticipation and discussions regarding the USA’s match against Belgium—including a chaotic last 24 hours following FIFA’s controversial decision allowing American striker Folarin Balogun to participate despite receiving a red card in the previous round—the Red Devils showcased their dominance on the field.
From the outset, Belgium applied pressure, with only a stunning save from USA goalkeeper Matt Freese preventing an early goal. However, the Americans’ relief was short-lived; Belgium maintained its offensive momentum and scored in the 9th minute, thanks to Charles De Ketelaere capitalizing on a defensive error.
Belgium continued to pose challenges, leaving the US looking overwhelmed. After a hydration break, the American team appeared to regain composure, drawing encouragement from the local crowd at Lumen Field in Seattle.
A breakthrough for the US arrived in the 31st minute when Balogun drew a free kick just outside the box. Tillman took the opportunity and, replicating his performance against Bosnia & Herzegovina, netted the equalizer.
However, the excitement in Seattle was short-lived, as Belgium quickly struck back, with De Ketelaere scoring again just moments later.
The US remained persistent, showing more vigor in the second half after a lively halftime adjustment from coach Mauricio Pochettino, who introduced Gio Reyna to inject energy into the attack.
The USA seemed to be regaining control until disaster struck in the 57th minute. Freese attempted to play a ball but miscalculated, allowing Belgian forward Vanaken to capitalize and score into an empty net.
Adding to the USA’s challenges, influential midfielder Christian Pulisic left the field due to injury soon after, prompting complaints from fans who believed he had been fouled.
As the second half’s hydration break came and went, the US struggled to breach Belgium’s defense, despite holding considerable possession. The ranked No. 9 team displayed solid defensive resilience, neutralizing the US’s offensive efforts without conceding scoring opportunities.
Meanwhile, Belgium had strong substitutes waiting in the wings. Coach Rudi Garcia, perhaps keen to respond to FIFA’s earlier judgments, brought in Manchester City midfielder Jérémy Doku and Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku to add more firepower.
Time was running out for the US, but Balogun, under scrutiny in recent days, got a chance to shine. He skillfully controlled a long pass and found himself in a one-on-one situation with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Balogun struck confidently, but Courtois managed to deflect the shot, denying another US attempt.
Belgium sealed their definitive victory in stoppage time, as Lukaku thundered the ball into the net, securing a 4-1 triumph and a matchup against Spain in the quarterfinals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
With the USA’s exit, all three co-hosts of the tournament—Canada, Mexico, and the US—have now been eliminated in the Round of 16.
