SEATTLE — For nearly a month, the United States men’s national team displayed its most thrilling form, characterized by aggression, passion, and even a touch of style. The team was soaring high. However, on the grandest stage at this FIFA World Cup, amidst a roaring home crowd, the USMNT succumbed in a dismal performance, losing 4-1 to a motivated Belgium squad.
Belgium’s victory was far from lucky; they dominated every aspect of the game for a full 90 minutes, overpowering the U.S. midfield and relentlessly pressuring the American defense. Had the U.S. not scored from a deflected Malik Tillman free-kick in the 30th minute, the match would have been a total rout. Belgium could have easily sealed the game by halftime if they had capitalized on their clear scoring chances.
This Belgium team came into the match seemingly lacking its prime form, missing star players like Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku — players expected to be key contributors who were hardly missed. Deemed old and slow, the Belgian players instead exhibited remarkable dynamism and competed with an intensity that the Americans simply could not match.
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Despite Belgium’s impressive performance, the U.S. was unable to deliver. Expectations were high, with a talented roster, a top coach in Mauricio Pochettino, and the advantage of playing at home — even with President Donald J. Trump reportedly helping to overturn Folarin Balogun’s suspensionTyler Adams. “We provided them with several good chances, and they took them. It was just too easy today. This was our moment to advance and achieve something special, but we fell short.”
The match echoed the 5-2 friendly defeat to Belgium earlier in March. This time was supposed to be different, but it served as an omen of what was to follow.
The focus on Balogun’s eligibility — first suspended for a red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina, then cleared — faded into the background after the game. There was considerable debate about his presence on the field; many felt Belgium had justification to be upset about his participation, believing his suspension should have been upheld. Speculation suggested that if the U.S. had won, it would have come with an asterisk.
In the end, the match was reminiscent of John Lennon’s saying: instant karma hit the USMNT hard. Balogun became a mere side note, having won the free kick that led to Tillman’s goal but otherwise struggling to make an impact. Instead, the entire situation seemed to galvanize Belgium, who came out fired up from the first whistle. U.S. captain Tim Ream stated that the external distractions had no bearing on the team’s preparation.
“We’re good at keeping outside noise just that, outside noise,” he said after the match. “It doesn’t affect us as players when we’re preparing for games. That’s just the reality we face. We were entirely focused on ourselves as a team and the game, without worrying about external debates.”
Belgian players Leandro Trossard, Youri Tielemans, and Dodi Lukébakio controlled the game’s rhythm. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice, having previously netted only three times in his entire league season with Italian club Atalanta. He opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a simple tap-in following a setup from Nicolas Raskin, who battled for the ball in the box as the U.S. defenders, primarily Sergiño Dest, stood static. Moments later, just after Tillman’s equalizer, Trossard’s cross found De Ketelaere, who outjumped Ream to head home.
Meanwhile, the U.S. played passively, exhibiting a lack of aggression.
The American midfield comprising Weston McKennie, Adams, and Tillman seemed outpaced and lacked the pressing aggression displayed in previous matches.
“It was the small details that let us down,” Adams noted. “We weren’t getting second balls that we previously were, and gaps that used to be covered were exploited. The connections in the game just weren’t as sharp as before.”
“Belgium deserved to win clearly. This wasn’t about the opponent or the moment; it was about us losing the small details. When that happens, you’re going to lose.”
The night culminated in an episode that highlighted U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese‘s inexperience. A seemingly harmless long ball from Belgian keeper Thibaut Courtois was fielded by Freese outside his box. After appearing to control the situation, hesitation allowed De Ketelaere to snatch the ball, setting up Hans Vanaken to score from 34 yards, sealing the match for Belgium. A late goal from Romelu Lukaku capped a disheartening evening for the U.S.
Responsibility also lies with Pochettino, who commanded a substantial salary — $6 million as reported — to elevate the U.S. team’s performance. Despite some positive moments in the World Cup, he failed to advance the team further than his predecessors have managed in the last 24 years. Unfortunately, his team appeared unprepared for the challenge Belgium presented.
However, this loss primarily rests with the players. They have been touted for two cycles as the most talented generation in U.S. history. Yet on the most crucial night of their international careers, they did not deliver. Christian Pulisic was largely invisible, losing the ball 11 times in the first half and eventually limping off in the 59th minute. The U.S. needed him to step up, but he remained ineffective. Dest struggled both defensively and offensively, and even the halftime substitution of Giovanni Reyna for Dest failed to make a difference. Balogun worked hard up top but lacked support, making it appear he was fighting a lone battle all night. His sharp effort in the 82nd minute forced a smart save from Courtois but didn’t pose a true threat to the Belgian keeper.
Hence, the U.S. journey in this World Cup has concluded, evoking mixed feelings, predominantly negative. The triumphant victories against Paraguay, Australia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina may evoke some fond memories, but they will soon fade in light of the painful loss to Belgium. This match underscored that, on the international stage against the elites of the sport, the U.S. still has a significant journey ahead.
How the U.S. will navigate this path remains uncertain.