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USMNT faces Belgium in World Cup knockout after political controversy

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 7, 2026, 7:51 AM

Last updated Jul 7, 2026

USMNT faces Belgium in World Cup knockout after political controversy

Summary

The USMNT confronted Belgium on July 6, 2026, in a Round of 16 World Cup match at Lumen Field. The atmosphere had shifted following FIFA's controversial decision to reverse a suspension for Folarin Balogun, which sparked political debate before the match. Despite the initial excitement surrounding the team’s deeper run into the tournament, the mood in Seattle was tense. The USMNT previously achieved a 4-1 victory against Paraguay and a 2-0 win over Australia to advance, marking a significant moment for American soccer. As the contest unfolded, anticipation hung heavily in the air amidst the unexpected developments around team dynamics.

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By the Numbers

•USMNT lost 4-1 to Belgium in Round of 16.
•Folarin Balogun's suspension reversal caused pre-match controversy.
•The match took place on July 6, 2026, in Seattle.
•USMNT previously beat Paraguay and Australia in the tournament.
•The crowd dynamics shifted significantly due to political discussions.

Latest Updates

7:51 AMYahoo Sports — USMNT didn't just lose to Belgium, it lost its World Cup magic

What they're saying

"
The vibes were off when politics were injected into USMNT's storybook run at the World Cup. That shouldn't take away from what they did but serve as a learning moment.
— Yahoo Sports

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