Host nation exits early
The United States men's national team crashed out of the 2026 World Cup on Monday, losing 4-1 to Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle. The result ends America's run at its own World Cup in the round of 16 — the same stage where co-hosts Canada and Mexico were also eliminated. The loss marks the end of a tumultuous tournament for the US team, which had shown promise in the group stage.
Balogun controversy fizzles
Much of the pre-match attention centered on star striker Folarin Balogun, whose red card from the Bosnia-Herzegovina match was controversially suspended by FIFA after an appeal. President Trump confirmed he had asked FIFA to review the suspension. But Balogun's presence made little difference. Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere scored in the 8th and 42nd minutes, and while Malik Tillman equalized with a stunning free kick just before halftime, Belgium dominated the second half with goals from Jeremy Doku and Romelu Lukaku.
Pulisic injured, team faces rebuild
Christian Pulisic, the team's captain and talisman, suffered a leg microfracture during the match and is expected to be sidelined for weeks. For Pulisic, likely playing in his final World Cup, the injury adds a painful footnote to the defeat. The elimination raises questions about the direction of US Soccer and whether the current generation of players has reached its ceiling. Head coach Gregg Berhalter's future is now uncertain as the federation considers its options ahead of the 2027 CONCACAF Gold Cup.