Belgium beat the United States 4-1 in Seattle on Monday as Charles De Ketelaere scored twice to send the last World Cup co-host out in the round of 16.
The win sent Belgium into a quarter-final against Spain. The United States, along with Canada and Mexico, exited the tournament before the last eight.
Pre-match attention centred on Folarin Balogun after FIFA suspended his one-game ban. US President Donald Trump had asked FIFA to review the striker’s red card from the previous round.
Balogun started and received a loud welcome from the home crowd, but Belgium struck first in the ninth minute.
De Ketelaere tapped in from close range after Nicolas Raskin’s cross exposed loose defending. It was the first time the United States had conceded the opening goal at the tournament.
Malik Tillman levelled with a deflected free-kick near the half-hour mark. However, De Ketelaere restored Belgium’s lead in the 33rd minute after heading in Leandro Trossard’s cross.
United States coach Mauricio Pochettino changed shape at halftime and pushed his side higher up the pitch.
Belgium made it 3-1 in the 57th minute after Matt Freese lost control under pressure. De Ketelaere poked the ball to Hans Vanaken, who scored into an open goal.
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Christian Pulisic limped off soon after, further weakening the United States push for a first World Cup quarter-final since 2002.
Romelu Lukaku completed the win in stoppage time after Chris Richards gave the ball away.
