Team USA’s run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to an end. Belgium, in front of a sold-out, U.S.-heavy crowd in Seattle, defeated the USMNT, 4-1, in a match where they took full advantage of their opponent’s mistakes. Charles De Ketelaere was the man who not only scored just nine minutes into the match for Belgium, but his goal in the 39th minute made Team USA manager Mauricio Pochettino kick water bottles on the sideline. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMChristian Pulisic of the United States during the first half against Belgium during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Seattle, United States.(John Todd/ISI Photos)The reason? Malik Tillman, who scored a free kick against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 victory in the Bay Area, took another just in front of Belgium’s box, and it deflected off a Belgian defender and threw off legendary keeper Thibaut Courtois to even the game at one apiece.The momentum was back for the USMNT in that moment in the 37th minute.
But once again, shotty defense for the U.S.resulted in an easy goal for De Ketelaere right in front of Matt Freese’s net. USA COACH MAURICIO POCHETTINO KICKS POWERADE BOTTLES IN FRUSTRATION AS TEAM'S FIRST HALF DEFENSE LOOKS SHAKYFreese, though, had a massive error of his own in the second half that crushed the momentum that had conjured up while down one goal.In the 57th minute, a total game-changer came when Freese decided to leave his net while De Ketelaere was chasing the through ball.
Freese was first to get there, but as he was trying to clear the ball, his foot got caught in the turf. United States of America goalkeeper Matt Freese reacts after Belgium midfielder Hans Vanaken scored against him while Belgium players celebrate during the second half of a World Cup round of 16 knock out match between United States and Belgium at Lumen Field on Monday, July 6, 2026 in Seattle, WA. (Allen J.Schaben / Los Angeles Time...