The United States Men's National Team was knocked out of the 2026 World Cup on Monday, losing 4-1 to Belgium in the Round of 16 in Seattle. The defeat eliminated the host nation and matters because it fell largely to self-inflicted errors — a shaky back line and goalkeeping display that repeatedly handed Belgium chances, rather than to sustained Belgian dominance. The exit has intensified scrutiny of the American defence and of the wider campaign under coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Before a sold-out crowd at Seattle Stadium, the United States conceded twice within two minutes to trail at half-time, and a costly mistake by goalkeeper Matt Freese led directly to Belgium's third goal. Pochettino's visible frustration on the touchline reflected the team's failure to recover, as Belgium controlled the second half and saw out a comfortable win built on unforced American mistakes.