USA 1-4 Belgium

What a chance for this group of players to make history. After missing out on the 2018 World Cup the US federation knew they had to do better, with an exciting young generation of US players coming through the ranks and playing all around Europe the 2026 World Cup on home soil was the perfect chance for redemption.

The US started the match terribly and in the 9th minute Raskin ran through the entire defense and passed it to Charles De Ketelaere to tap the ball in the net to make it 1-0 to Belgium. The US couldn’t bypass Belgium's press or string any passes together. In the 31st minute the US were able to get up the field and won a free kick 25 yards out. Up stepped Tillman whose shot took a deflection off a Belgium player in the wall and went right into the goal to equalize. Not even 2 minutes later Trossard put in a cross to Ketelaere who scored a header to put Belgium back in the lead.

The US were playing better in the second half until the 57th minute. US goalie Matt Fresse ran out his box to intercept the ball. He gained possession but then lost it to Hans Vanaken who easily shot into an open net to double Belgium’s lead. The US lost what little momentum they had and in the 93rd minute Lukaku pounced on a loose ball and scored to make it 4-1.

"Maybe the explanation is so easy: it wasn’t our day, collectively and individually," Pochettino told the media. "Of course, the principal responsible is myself. And yes, we need to see and to check what we did because it wasn’t the performance or the way that normally we play." Maybe the controversy with Balogun’s red card suspension being overturned gave Belgium even more motivation to come together. Regardless, it was a very poor and embarrassing exit from such a promising tournament. The next World Cup might be the last chance for certain players like Pulisic. It will be interesting to see over the coming years how the US federation will prepare the USMNT to hopefully make it further in the 2030 World Cup.