The United States men's national team were knocked out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing 4-1 to Belgium in the Round of 16 in Seattle. The defeat, in front of a sold-out and largely American crowd, ended the host nation's tournament run and saw Belgium advance to the quarter-finals. It matters as a significant disappointment for the USMNT on home soil, with the side undone by repeated defensive errors.

Belgium struck early through Charles De Ketelaere, who scored in the ninth minute. Malik Tillman briefly equalised in the 37th minute with a free kick that deflected off a defender and past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, but De Ketelaere restored Belgium's lead in the 39th minute, prompting USA manager Mauricio Pochettino to kick water bottles on the touchline. A costly error from US goalkeeper Matt Freese in the 57th minute — his foot caught in the turf as he tried to clear a through ball — led to a Hans Vanaken goal. The USA's difficulties were compounded when captain Christian Pulisic was substituted after appearing to suffer an injury during a shot attempt.