The United States' run in the World Cup concluded Monday night with a 4-1 loss to Belgium, a result that highlighted defensive struggles for the American squad and secured a quarterfinal berth for the Belgians. Charles De Ketelaere was a key player for Belgium, scoring two goals and assisting on another.
The U.S. team saw the return of star forward Folarin Balogun, whose one-game red-card suspension was controversially lifted by FIFA. However, the American defense was unable to contain Belgium's offense. Defensive errors contributed to two first-half goals, and a miscue by goalkeeper Matt Freese allowed Belgium to extend their lead early in the second half.
Malik Tillman had equalized the match at 1-1 midway through the first half with his second free kick goal of the tournament. But the momentum shifted just 61 seconds after the ensuing kickoff when Belgium regained the lead, prompting visible frustration from U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Second-half substitute Romelu Lukaku added Belgium's fourth goal in the final minutes of stoppage time. Belgium, seeking its first World Cup title, will advance to face Spain in the quarterfinals. This marks the second time in 12 years that Belgium has eliminated the U.S. in the round of 16. The win extended Belgium's unbeaten streak to 18 games.