The United States failed to keep its deepest FIFA World Cup run in over 20 years alive Monday night, being humbled by Belgium 4-1 in the round of 16 and falling short of its first quarterfinal appearance since 2002.
Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere set the tone early, easily finding the back of the net in just the 9th minute. The U.S.’s Malik Tillman would answer on a free-kick goal in the 31st minute, but before the American crowd could finish celebrating, De Ketelaere had headed in another goal, giving Belgium a 2-1 lead going into halftime.
The U.S. began the second half with a burst of offense, but disaster would strike in the 57th minute after U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese was unable to clear the ball, allowing Belgium’s Hans Vanaken an easy goal to give the Red Devils a two-goal lead. Belgium would twist the knife in stoppage time, with Romelu Lukaku sealing it at 4-1
The U.S.’s defeat follows one of the tournament’s biggest off-field controversies after FIFA cleared U.S. striker Folarin Balogun to play despite an automatic one-match suspension that initially ruled him out following a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Balogun was sent off late in the Americans’ 2-0 Round 32 victory, a decision that normally carries a one-game ban. After President Donald Trump publicly urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the case, FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended the ban, allowing Balogun to dress against Belgium. Trump later thanked FIFA on social media for “reversing a great injustice.”
Belgium objected to the ruling and sought to challenge Balogun’s eligibility before kickoff. FIFA’s Appeal Committee rejected the Belgian federation’s request as inadmissible, saying Belgium lacked standing because it was not a party to the original disciplinary proceedings. Belgian officials nevertheless vowed to continue contesting the decision, calling the process lacking in transparency.
The controversy has overshadowed what has otherwise been a successful tournament for the host Americans.
The United States won Group D before defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in Round 32 to reach the knockout stage. Balogun has been among the team’s top attacking threats throughout the tournament, making his availability a significant boost for coach Mauricio Pochettino’s team.
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Belgium advanced by edging Senegal 3-2 in Round 32 after winning Group G. The Red Devils entered Monday as one of Europe’s highest-ranked teams and were seeking their second consecutive World Cup quarterfinal appearance.
The Red Devils now advance to Friday’s quarterfinal against Spain, with the United States seeking its first semifinal appearance since the inaugural World Cup in 1930.
