The United States men’s national team entered Monday night’s match against Belgium in Seattle with the highest expectations of any U.S. World Cup team in decades.
They mostly had a “golden generation” of players in their prime, like Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Malik Tillman and Sergino Dest. Folarin Balogun, arguably the United States’ best striker in recent memory, was also available for this must-win match after FIFA controversially postponed his red card suspension with some involvement from President Donald Trump.
Belgium was widely considered a “beatable” opponent. They had led Senegal 2-0 in the 86th minute in the round of 16, before a fierce and lucky comeback led to a 3-2 win deep in extra time after a dubious penalty allowed Youri Tielemans to score the winner. Their defense was considered questionable at best, and their “golden generation” was past its prime. Star forward Jeremy Doku was also left out of the starting lineup, seemingly giving the American backline an advantage.
Romelu Lukaku (9) of Belgium passes the ball past Chris Richards (3) of the United States to score his team’s fourth goal during the 16-match World Cup soccer match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle, Washington. Monday July 6, 2026. (Lindsey Wasson/AP Photo)
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It turns out that not only did the USMNT have no advantage, but they were hopelessly outplayed and outclassed by an organized, composed, and aggressive Belgian attack. They created few good chances, facing a much better defensive structure without Kevin De Bruyne on the pitch. After tying the game on another fantastic free kick from Tillman, they conceded again in less than 70 seconds. There was a humiliating mistake by the goalkeeper when Matt Freese hit the ground instead of the ball, leading to the third goal that effectively put the game away. 4-1 defeat, and few results.
Perhaps all of this would be more forgivable, after all Belgium is still a very good international team, if the USMNT had had a clean game and were simply beaten by a better team. But they weren’t just beaten. They embarrassed themselves on the biggest stage they’ve ever had. Literally. And football analyst Taylor Twellman lashed out at players and staff for the many, many inexcusable errors.
Tim Ream (left) #13 and Sebastian Berhalter #14 of the United States lament after a 4-1 defeat in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Seattle, United States. (Photo by Al Sermeno/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) (ISI photos via Getty Images)
He talked about what happened with Yahoo Sports! “The Cooligans” podcast after the loss, saying the team had failed its first “real test.”
“It was the first real test of the World Cup,” he said. “What did we get? Yeah, I mean, what did we get?
“And look, we’ve done stuff, haven’t we? We’ve done stuff…[but] you can’t make mistakes at the highest level. You can’t miss the fundamentals. Belgium’s first two goals. They make you want… it’s not an easy watch guys. Not an easy watch… It’s a 50-50 ball inside the 18 that Dest looks around and lets bounce. Go through it.”
He went on to say that he would rather have players willing to “go through the wall” than be passive or unsure of themselves.
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“And look, everyone on social media is talking about, oh, Sebastian Berhalter, this… Give me 10 Sebastian Berhalters,” he said. “They’ll get through the wall, at least. You can’t forget the fundamentals. The little things, that’s going to be, for this group of players, the hardest pill to swallow. Because when you watch the tape, when you watch the tape, it’s not my experience, I watched it, it’s hard to swallow. It’s simple fundamentals and we all missed them tonight. All of us.”
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There’s not much to discuss there. Just look at the lack of defensive effort on the first Belgian goal, in the 10th minute. When the ball flies, there are literally four American players surrounding a Belgian player. Plus three other defenders near or in front of the goal. Somehow this Belgian player got past them all, before passing to an unmarked Charles De Ketelaere for the easiest shot of his life.
Charles de Ketelaere (17) of Belgium celebrates after scoring his team’s opening goal during the FIFA World Cup 16 between the United States and Belgium in Seattle, Washington. Monday July 6, 2026. (Maddy Grassy/AP Photo)
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Freese’s error was compounded by Ream jumping to try to deflect an open shot at goal from Hans Vanaken, only to sniff and see the ball roll straight into the net. On the second goal, De Ketelaere narrowly beat two American defenders, while two others stood there helplessly.
These are fundamental problems that cannot arise at this level. Inexcusable and indefensible errors. The emphasis is on managers and coaching in international football, while the importance of management pales in comparison to having top players. Right away? The USMNT just doesn’t have enough good ones.
