The United States’ 2026 FIFA World Cup journey came to an end Monday night at Lumen Field, as Belgium defeated the Americans 4–1 in the Round of 16, eliminating the host nation from the tournament in front of a sold out crowd in Seattle.
The highly anticipated knockout match brought another electric atmosphere to downtown Seattle, with thousands of fans filling the streets around Lumen Field hours before kickoff. Supporters from both nations packed bars, fan zones, and the stadium as Seattle once again took center stage on the world’s biggest soccer stage.
After advancing through the group stage and earning a convincing Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United States entered the match hoping to continue its deep tournament run. Instead, Belgium showcased why it has consistently been one of the world’s top soccer nations, taking control of the match early and capitalizing on several scoring opportunities. While the United States managed to find the back of the net, Belgium’s attack proved too much to overcome as the Red Devils secured a 4–1 victory.
Despite the disappointing result, American supporters remained loud throughout the night, creating one of the most memorable atmospheres Seattle has seen during the World Cup. The crowd responded with chants and applause until the final whistle, recognizing a U.S. squad that exceeded many expectations by reaching the knockout stage.