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The USA-Belgium game made history.
The USA’s 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16 on Monday night in Seattle set a viewership record, drawing 30 million viewers and becoming the most-watched soccer telecast in American history.
The peak audience was 36.895 million, from 9:15 to 9:30 PM ET.
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Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku (9) kicks the ball past USA’s Chris Richards (3) to score his team’s fourth goal during the World Cup Round of 16 soccer match between the USA and Belgium in Seattle, Washington. Monday 6 July 2026. (Lindsey Wasson/AP Photo)
The USMNT unfortunately did not deliver for the big crowd as their run ended in disappointing fashion. Despite Folarin Balogun’s suspension being overturned, the USMNT couldn’t muster enough offense.
Belgium took advantage of the USMNT’s defensive mistakes as Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring just nine minutes into the game after a defensive breakdown gave Belgium an early lead.
Malik Tillman, who scored from a free-kick against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 16, worked his magic again on another free-kick to level the score at 1-1 in the 31st minute. Tillman’s shot deflected off a defender and into the net, sending the raucous Seattle crowd into a frenzy.
However, the raucous jubilation was short-lived as De Ketelaere scored his second goal shortly after in the 33rd minute to put Belgium back on top, 2-1.
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Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere (17) celebrates after scoring his team’s opening goal during the World Cup Round of 16 soccer match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle, Washington. Monday 6 July 2026. (Maddy Grassy/AP Photo)
The USMNT came out after the break and put 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 on a through ball.
While Freese arrived first, he couldn’t handle the ball as his foot got caught in the turf. Hans Vanaken seized the opportunity and slotted the ball past Freese and a bouncing Tim Ream to give Belgium a 3-1 lead.
The USMNT had a few opportunities to add another tally and cut the deficit to one, but couldn’t get on the board as they were stifled by Belgium’s defense.
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USA’s Folarin Balogun (20) walks off the field after losing to Belgium during their World Cup Round of 16 match in Seattle, Washington. Monday 6 July 2026. (Ted S. Warren/AP Photo)
Belgium replaced superstar striker Romelu Lukaku and he capped the win with a goal in stoppage time.
Despite the loss, the USMNT’s has captured America’s heart and attention over the past few weeks, with the country’s support reflected in the historic ratings.
