New Delhi, Aug. 21 -- the Americans get close, and then they do not.

Belgium won 4-1 on 6 July 2026 to put the co-hosts out of their own World Cup in the round of 16. It was the eighth meeting between the countries and Belgium's seventh straight win. The United States have beaten Belgium once, in 1930.

USA vs Belgium at the 2026 World Cup: the Seattle round of 16

De Ketelaere scored inside nine minutes and the match never really left Belgium's control after that. Tillman's equaliser was the exception, and it was answered almost immediately.

According to FIFA's own match report, Belgium were in front inside nine minutes and never trailed. The third goal was the one that ended it as a contest. Goalkeeper Matt Freese came out of his area...