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The USA-Belgium match made history.
The United States’ 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16 Monday night in Seattle set a viewership record, drawing 30 million viewers and becoming the most-watched soccer telecast in U.S. history.
Peak viewership was 36.895 million, from 9:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. ET.
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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)
The USMNT unfortunately failed to deliver on its promises to the massive audience, as its run ended in disheartening fashion. Despite overturning Folarin Balogun’s suspension, the USMNT failed to muster enough offense.
Belgium took advantage of the USMNT’s defensive errors, as Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring just nine minutes into the match after a defensive breakdown gave Belgium an early lead.
Malik Tillman, who scored from a free kick against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 16, worked his magic again with another free kick to level the score at 1-1 in the 31st minute. Tillman’s shot deflected off a defender and found its way into the back of the net, sending the raucous Seattle crowd into a frenzy.
The loud cheers were short-lived, however, as De Ketelaere scored his second goal soon after, in the 33rd minute, to put Belgium back in the lead, 2-1.
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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)
The USMNT came out after halftime putting pressure on Belgium, but goalkeeper Matt Freese made a critical error that dashed any hopes of a comeback. In the 57th minute, Freese came out of his net to challenge De Ketelaere with a through ball.
While Freese got there first, he was unable to clear the ball as his foot got stuck in the turf. Hans Vanaken seized the opportunity and fired the ball past Freese and a sprawling Tim Ream to give Belgium a 3-1 lead.
The USMNT had a few chances to add another goal and cut the deficit to one, but couldn’t get on the board as they were stifled by the Belgian defense.
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Folarin Balogun (20) of the United States leaves the field after losing to Belgium during their 16 World Cup soccer match in Seattle, Washington. Monday July 6, 2026. (Ted S. Warren/AP Photo)
Belgium replaced superstar striker Romelu Lukaku and he put the exclamation point on the victory with an injury-time goal.
Despite this defeat, the USMNT has captured America’s hearts and attention in recent weeks, with the country’s support reflected in historic ratings.
