WC 2026: Belgium Rings the Death Knell for USA

Until last night, the USA was one of the most exciting teams in the World Cup. Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino had assembled a team that was so attractive to watch, with players pressing high, running tirelessly, making mistakes, but always bouncing back.

Just a few days ago, the Belgium team was struggling to find its footing after a late comeback against Senegal, and they were also filled with doubts.

However, from the opening minutes of the new match, they set out to prove they deserved to stay in the World Cup. Yuri Tielemans and Timothy Castagne forced USA goalkeeper Matt Freese to make saves, and then, after a corner kick, Charles De Ketelaere won a header and Castagne scored with ease - 1:0.

The Americans only woke up after the water break. They started pressing, Balogun worked a dangerous free kick, and Malik Tillman's shot deflected off Hans Vanaken, finally giving the hosts some hope - 1:1.

In the second half, the USA tried to get back into the game. They even started more actively than their opponents. But football can be cruel to those who have lost their confidence. The decisive moment took on symbolic significance: Matt Freese rushed out to a simple ball, stumbled, and froze in place, allowing De Ketelaere to take the ball, and Vanaken calmly slotted it into the empty net - 3:1.

After that, despite nearly half an hour remaining until the final whistle, the game was effectively over. In added time, Romelu Lukaku made the score a humiliating 4:1.

Goals: De Ketelaere (9, 33), Vanaken, Lukaku (90+3) - Tillman (31)

Belgium: Courtois - Mechele, Castagne, De Vijver, Ngoy - Tielemans, Onana (Vanaken, 21), Raskin (Witsel, 89) - Trossard (Selmakers, 89), De Ketelaere (Doku, 67), Lukebakio (Lukaku, 67).

USA: Freese - Yedlin, Richards, Freeman, Dest (Reyna, 46), Robinson (Arfsten, 90+2) - Adams (Pepi, 72), Tillman, McKennie - Pulisic (Berhalter, 59), Balogun (Wright, 90+2).

Warnings: Tillman, McKennie