SportFootballWorld Cup 2026USA 1-4 BELGIUM: All three host nations have now been knocked out of the World Cup with Mauricio Pochettino's side slipping to their European opponents after a controversial few days02:59, 07 Jul 2026Updated 02:59, 07 Jul 2026The USA became the third and final host nation to be knocked out of the World Cup after falling to a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in Seattle.‌All of the talk before the game was about Folarin Balogun, having bafflingly escaped suspension for a red card following intervention by Donald Trump. But it was Belgium star Charles De Ketelaere who stole the headlines with a first-half brace, either side of Malik Tillman free kick.‌Things then got worse for the USA as Hans Vanaken profited from a woeful error to score a third and seal Belgium's spot in the last eight. Romelu Lukaku then plundered a fourth in the closing minutes.‌They will now turn their attention to their quarter-final clash with Spain later this week. In the meantime, Mauricio Pochettino's side will reflect on a memorable campaign, albeit one that has now been soured by a controversial row and a miserable last-16 performance.Belgium enjoyed an electric start in Seattle and almost opened the scoring via a spectacular effort from Timothy Castagne which was saved by Matt Freese. Youri Tielemans then should have opened the scoring with a very presentable opportunity.Belgium eventually got the goal their terrific start deserved through De Ketelaere. The Atalanta midfielder found himself unmarked to tap home from Nicolas Raskin's low centre.‌Despite Belgium's rapid start, the USA evenutally found their feet and got themselves level on the half-hour mark. After scoring a free-kick against Bosnia & Herzegovina, it was no surprise to see Tillman step up in similar circustmances, with his effort finding the back of the next courtesy of a deflection off of the Belgian wall.The hosts were not level for long though as Rudi Garcia's men hit back immediately through De Ketelaere. Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard produced a teasing cross torwards the midfielder, who nodded home emphatically.‌Belgium should have been heading into half-time clear but Dodi Lukebakio nodded wide.A third did eventually come after the break and it was all of the USA's doing. Goalkeeper Freese hesitated on the ball far out of his penalty area and saw his pocket picked, leaving Vanaken to convert into the unguarded net from range.To make matters worse for the USA, star man Christian Pulisic was stretchered off midway through the second-half. Lukaku then got on the scoresheet late on after yet more errors from the hosts. And with that, the USA saw their campaign ended in miserable fashion after what was a really promising run.Article continues belowJoin our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Content cannot be displayed without consentChoose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌World Cup 2026Belgium football teamUSA football teamMauricio Pochettino