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The match between the United States and Belgium made history.
The United States’ 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16 on Monday night in Seattle set a ratings record, drawing 30 million viewers and becoming the most-watched soccer broadcast in U.S. history.
Peak viewership was 36.895 million, from 9:15 pm to 9:30 pm ET.
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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)
Unfortunately, the USMNT fell short of the mass audience, as their run came to an end in disheartening fashion. Even though Folarin Balogun’s suspension was overturned, the USMNT could not muster enough offense.
Belgium took advantage of the USMNT’s defensive errors, as Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring just nine minutes after a defensive lapse gave Belgium an early lead.
Malik Tillman, who scored on a free kick against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, worked his magic again on another free kick to tie the score at 1-1 in the 31st minute. Tillman’s shot deflected off a defender and into the back of the net, sending the rowdy Seattle crowd into a frenzy.
The raucous cheers were short-lived, however, as De Ketelaere scored his second goal shortly after, in the 33rd minute, to put Belgium back in the lead, 2-1.
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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)
The USMNT came out after halftime putting pressure on Belgium, but goalkeeper Matt Freese made a critical error that ended any hope of a comeback. In the 57th minute, Freese came out of his goal to challenge De Ketelaere with a through ball.
Although Freese arrived first, he was unable to clear the ball because his foot became trapped in the grass. Hans Vanaken seized the opportunity and kicked the ball past Freese and Tim Ream to give Belgium a 3-1 lead.
The USMNT had a couple of opportunities to add another tally and reduce the deficit to one, but were unable to score as they were stifled by the Belgian defense.
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USA’s Folarin Balogun (20) walks off the field after losing to Belgium during their World Cup soccer round of 16 match in Seattle, Washington. Monday, July 6, 2026. (Ted S. Warren/AP Photo)
Belgium replaced superstar forward Romelu Lukaku, who put the exclamation point on the victory with a goal in stoppage time.
Despite the loss, the USMNT captured America’s hearts and attention over the past few weeks, and the country’s support was reflected in the all-time ratings.
