The United States men's national team's 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16 in Seattle on Monday 6 July 2026 became the most-watched soccer telecast in US history, drawing 30 million viewers with a peak audience of 36.895 million between 9:15 and 9:30 p.m. ET. The record underlines the enormous domestic interest generated by the World Cup on home soil, even as the hosts' tournament run ended in disappointing fashion before the huge audience.

Belgium took an early lead through Charles De Ketelaere in the ninth minute after a defensive lapse, before Malik Tillman equalised with a deflected free kick in the 31st minute. De Ketelaere restored Belgium's lead two minutes later, and a costly error from US goalkeeper Matt Freese allowed Hans Vanaken to make it 3-1 in the 57th minute. Substitute Romelu Lukaku added a fourth in stoppage time. The defeat came despite Folarin Balogun's suspension being overturned ahead of the match.