India, July 7 -- The USA's World Cup story changed as dramatically over the last 48 hours as their Round-of-16 tie against Belgium slipped away at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The co-hosts had every reason to celebrate reaching the knockout stage, with Tim Ream's side producing an impressive campaign to make the last 16. That mood only lifted further on Sunday when FIFA overturned Folarin Balogun's suspension, making the striker available for the clash against Belgium in Seattle. The camp even stood firm amid the controversy that followed after reports emerged linking U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino to the decision.

The celebrations, however, proved short-lived.

Belgium cruised to a 4-1 victory, knocking the...