USA eliminated by Belgium in 4-1 World Cup last-16 defeat in Seattle

The United States lost 4-1 to Belgium at Seattle Stadium in a World Cup last-16 match, BBC Sport journalist Gary Rose reported early Tuesday; coach Mauricio Pochettino said the team underperformed and Belgium advanced after a dominant display.

Belgium opened the scoring when Charles De Ketelaere was left unmarked to convert, then doubled their lead shortly after the USA had equalised. The contest shifted decisively when De Ketelaere dispossessed goalkeeper Matt Freese outside the area and Hans Vanaken finished into the bottom corner, making it 3-1 and draining the home crowd’s momentum.

The U.S. had earlier earned controversy around forward Folarin Balogun, who started after FIFA suspended an automatic one-match ban for 12 months following a straight red card in the previous round. The decision drew criticism from UEFA, Belgium and England’s manager Thomas Tuchel, and prompted comment from U.S. political figures, but Pochettino said the matter did not excuse the team’s performance.

Pochettino acknowledged his side failed to connect from the first whistle and described the defeat as “not our day.” He also expressed personal disappointment over the politicisation and online abuse surrounding Balogun but emphasized his role was to prepare the team when players are available.

Defensive errors were decisive for the USA. De Ketelaere headed in the second goal after evading two defenders, and the third goal followed a misjudged intervention by keeper Matt Freese. Romelu Lukaku added a late fourth for Belgium during injury time.

Fans began leaving Seattle Stadium before the final whistle as Belgium extended their lead, with many citing unforced errors and a lack of urgency from the U.S. side. Supporters and commentators noted the crowd atmosphere, which had been strong earlier in the tournament, fell flat as the match slipped away.

The result ends the United States’ run in the World Cup at the last-16 stage, marking their heaviest defeat since 1990. Midfielder Tyler Adams said the team experienced a bad day but hoped the campaign’s overall impact would still inspire young players and support the sport’s growth in the country.

Pochettino’s contract with the U.S. men’s national team expires at the end of the World Cup; he said he would take time to rest before discussions with the federation about his future begin.