The United States Men’s National Team entered Monday night’s game against Belgium in Seattle with the highest expectations of any United States World Cup team in decades.
They had a majority of “golden generation” players in their heyday, such as Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Malik Tillman and Sergino Dest. Folarin Balogun, arguably the best striker the United States has had in recent memory, was also available for the must-win game after FIFA controversially postponed his red card suspension with some involvement from President Donald Trump.
Belgium was widely seen as a “beatable” opponent. They were trailing 2-0 against Senegal in the 86th minute of the round of 32, before a fierce and fortunate comeback led to a 3-2 victory in extra time, after a questionable penalty allowed Youri Tielemans to score the winning goal. Their defense was viewed as questionable at best, and their “golden generation” had aged beyond their prime. Star forward Jeremy Doku was also out of the starting 11, seemingly giving the American defense an advantage.
Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku (9) kicks the ball past American Chris Richards (3) to score his team’s fourth goal during the World Cup round of 16 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 the USMNT not only had no advantage, but was hopelessly outmatched and outmatched 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 field. After tying the game with another fantastic free throw from Tillman, they conceded again in less than 70 seconds. There was a humiliating error by the goalkeeper when Matt Freese kicked the ground instead of the ball, leading to the third goal that effectively ended the match. 4-1 defeat and little result.
All of that might be more forgivable – after all, Belgium is still a very good international team – if the USMNT had a clean game and were simply beaten by a better team. But they were not only defeated. They embarrassed themselves on the biggest stage they’ve ever had. Literally. And football analyst Taylor Twellman criticized the players and staff for the many, many, unforgivable mistakes.
Tim Ream (L) #13 and Sebastian Berhalter #14 of the United States rue after a 4-1 loss 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 failed its first “real test.”
“That was the first real test of the World Cup,” he said. “What did we get? Yeah, I mean, what did we get?”
“And listen, we’ve done things, right? We’ve done things…[but] You can’t make mistakes at the highest level. You can’t miss the fundamentals. Belgium’s first two goals. It makes you want to… it’s not easy to watch, guys. It’s not an easy watch… It’s a 50-50 ball inside the 18 that Dest just looks around and lets it bounce. Run through it.”
He went on to say that he would prefer to have players ready to “go through the wall” rather than be passive or unsure of themselves.
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“And listen, everyone on social media is talking about, oh, Sebastian Berhalter this… Give me 10 Sebastian Berhalter,” he said. “At least they’ll get through the wall. You can’t forget the fundamentals. The little things, which will be, for that 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 saw it, it’s hard to swallow. Those are simple fundamentals and we lost all of them tonight. All of them.”
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There’s not much to discuss there. Just look at the lack of defensive effort on Belgium’s first goal, in the 10th minute. When the ball goes into the air, there are literally four American players around one Belgian player. Plus three defenders closer to or in front of the goal. Somehow, that Belgian player outplayed them all, before threading a pass to an unmarked Charles De Ketelaere for the easiest shot of his life.
Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere (17) celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the World Cup Round of 16 soccer match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle, Washington. Monday, July 6, 2026. (Maddy Grassy/AP Photo)
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Freese’s mistake was compounded by Ream jumping to try and deflect an open shot on goal from Hans Vanaken, only to sniff and see the ball roll straight into the net. On the second goal, De Ketelaere outjumped two American defenders while two others stood helpless.
These are fundamental problems that cannot occur at this level. Unforgivable and indefensible errors. There is a focus on coaches and trainers in international football, when managerial importance pales in comparison to having better players. Right now? The USMNT simply doesn’t have enough good ones.
