iStockphoto / REUTERS/Lee Smith / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters
Team USA was eliminated from the World Cup by Belgium.
Team USA’s run in the World Cup is officially over. The squad dropped a knockout round matchup to Belgium on Monday night, 4-1.
The lowlight of the match was a goal conceded in the second half, which was a result of a defensive lapse that could’ve been set to the tune of circus music. Referee cam captured the embarrassing series of events up close and personal.
It was an appropriate ending to a forgettable night in Seattle.
Team USA has been eliminated from the World Cup.
Despite momentum following the reversal of Folarin Balogun’s suspension, the team came out flat. Things got off to an ominous start with Belgium striking first in the opening 10 minutes.
They’d quickly go from bad to worse.
The US evened the score with a Malik Tillman response in the 31st minute, but Belgium answered two minutes later to regain the advantage.
They’d then outscore the Americans 2-0 after the halftime intermission.
The third goal for the Belgians was a gift. The US defense served it up on a platter. It was demoralizing.
@foxsports USA fans are stunned after Belgium finds a third #FIFAWorldCup #Belgium #USAvsBelgium #WorldCup
While the goal came with more than 30 minutes left to play, it effectively ended the contest. The offense had no response. The defense had no answers.
On the play, goalkeeper Matt Freese appeared to corral the ball in a successful attempt to sidestep danger. For some reason, he hesitated to get the ball out of harm’s way, leading to a steal with the net empty.
Defender then Tim Ream tried to deflect the shot but whiffed.
“Like a deer in 4 lane traffic”
– MeeMaw
— Josh Pate (@JoshPateCFB) July 7, 2026
Referee cam provided further embarrassment.
Watching the moment in real time was enough to leave viewers dumbfounded. POV video worn by an official made the mishap all the more head scratching.
It shows Freese stopping his leg mid-kick to allow the defender an avenue to the ball. It’s unclear the thought process given the defensive pressure and looming open net.
@foxsports Hans Vanaken becomes Belgium’s oldest goalscorer in the Knockout Stage #FIFAWorldCup #USAvsBelgium #USMNT #Belgium
Freese’s decision making was criticized. Ream, the defender who missed the deflection, was also targeted following a bad night on the pitch.
I don’t watch soccer but is Tim Ream really the best defender we can find in a country of 300 million people
— Kmac (@KMaC703) July 7, 2026
Ream appeared out of position on a pair of Belgium goals. It created a deficit too large to overcome.
For Team USA and its fans, it was a disappointing end to a highly anticipated World Cup matchup. Americans will have to wait four more long years for their next opportunity.