Recapping USA’s Run At The 2026 FIFA World Cup

The United States’ dream run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to an end. On Monday, after a series of costly self-inflicted mistakes, the U.S. fell to Belgium 4-1 in the Round of 16. Belgium struck early when a defensive miscommunication allowed Charles De Ketelaere to tap home the opening goal in the 9th minute. The Americans responded with a deflected Malik Tillman free kick to equalize. However, just 61 seconds later, De Ketelaere restored Belgium’s lead with his second goal of the match. In the second half, a costly mistake from Matt Freese gifted Belgium a third goal as the Red Devils ultimately cruised to a 4-1 win in Seattle. While it wasn’t the ending Americans had hoped for, there is still plenty to celebrate. The United States won its first World Cup knockout match since 2002, captivated the country with one of the program’s most memorable tournament runs, and gave supporters genuine optimism heading into the future. Under Mauricio Pochettino, the team showed it is moving in the right direction with a young core capable of competing on the world’s biggest stage. So, just how historic was this World Cup run? Let’s look back at the moments and milestones that made the summer unforgettable. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. USA’s 2026 World Cup USA vs. Paraguay The United States defeated Paraguay 4-1, getting off to a dream start to the tournament. USA vs. Australia The U.S. followed up its opening match with a 2-0 win over Australia, clinching a spot in the knockout round and eventually clinching its group for the third time ever and first since 2010. USA vs. Türkiye Having already clinched the group by this point, the U.S. rested most of its starters. The Americans ultimately fell to Türkiye 3-2 off a late stoppage time (90’+8′) goal. USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina Folarin Balogun gave the U.S. the lead with a goal right before the half. Then, after Balogun was sent off via a red card, Malik Tillman sealed the 2-0 win off a beautiful free-kick goal. USA vs. Belgium After losing to Belgium 4-1, the United States have now been eliminated at the Round of 16 in six of its seven appearances in that stage of the World Cup, including each of its last four appearances in the competition. While it did not end the way we all dreamed of, 2030 can’t come soon enough.