What was such an inspiring World Cup journey came to a disappointing end.

When the competition gets harder, there are more consequences for not performing. It can’t be a day when so many guys are passengers. On the day, it was simple: Belgium was the better side.

The performance today was nowhere near what these players expected of themselves, and I think that’s where the most disappointment will come from. It was not where it needed to be to give the U.S. a chance to win the game.

Instead of just rating the players for their performances against Belgium, let’s take a bigger-picture look at how they did throughout the tournament. (We’ll start with the coach, though.)

U.S. Player Ratings

I thought he managed the tournament well. Some people gave him stick for making changes in the final group-stage match against Türkiye when there was nothing to play for, but ultimately, those were warranted. You saw what happened in the next game against Bosnia and Herzegovina when a well-rested squad performed very well in the round of 32.

The lineup Pochettino picked against Belgium was the right one. It was the best XI available.

Ultimately, I think there’s going to be some criticism because the belief was that he could take us that step further than we’ve been. But I tip my hat to him and thought he managed this group well throughout the group stage.

United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s future with the national team is uncertain following the World Cup. (John Todd/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) –>

Rating · 8

For me, Weston was the best player in the tournament for us.

There’s a reason why he played the most minutes of anybody on this team, and there’s a reason why Pochettino trusts him so much in midfield. He offers a lot on both ends of the pitch.

I think getting a second World Cup under his belt will bode well for him going forward. He’s going to remain a big part of our spine in midfield.

Rating · 8

Flo was right up there with Weston throughout the course of the tournament. As I have said throughout the World Cup, he is the No. 9 we have been waiting for.

Balogun was man of the match on multiple occasions, and his influence was felt throughout the course of this World Cup. He’ll continue to be the target man for this team.

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Rating · 7

Tillman is a special player. He offers something different compared to Weston and Tyler Adams and delivers constant quality on the ball.

I’m very excited about this midfield trio going forward.

Rating · 7

Freeman showed really well for himself against Belgium. He had moments but ultimately wasn’t at the level of consistency that we’d seen throughout the course of the group stage or against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

For a 21-year-old, he conducted himself incredibly well.

Alex Freeman was a standout performer for the U.S. during this World Cup. (Jane Gershovich/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

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Rating · 7

He’s our anchor and a huge part of our spine moving forward. Getting Chris this experience at the World Cup, to me, was vital. He’s going to assume even more responsibility moving forward.

Part of Christian’s rating is because of the calf injury he suffered in the group stage. A lot of his tournament was impacted by that, since he maybe wasn’t on the field as much as we needed him.

Then against Belgium, he struggled to have the type of involvement that he knows he can. When Christian is at his best and sharpest, we win that game.

When that’s the case, he’s committing defenders to him, beating players off the dribble, getting shots off, getting access to the final third. If nothing else, he’s attracting the defense’s attention.

Ultimately, he wasn’t able to have that kind of impact against Belgium because he didn’t have the chances to play more minutes earlier in the tournament.

Without the performance against Belgium, this is a 7 or an 8. My rating definitely was impacted by that defeat, though.

I felt Tyler could have been more authoritative and dictated more of the play against Belgium. It was a disappointing end to an otherwise solid World Cup.

Ream wasn’t at his best against Belgium, as he was involved in conceding three of them. Ultimately, I thought he had a good tournament minus this performance.

Unfortunately for him, this match against Belgium was when we needed him most and the opponent got the better of him.

Against Belgium, Antonee was just a little less effective than he has been throughout the course of the tournament. Still, he’s one of our most consistent players from game to game.

It’s interesting with Sergiño because he is playing somewhat out of position. He is traditionally a right back and plays there for his club and has, in the past, for the national team, but he was a right-winger for this tournament.

Against Belgium, it wasn’t his best day, but he looked threatening at times throughout the World Cup.

Throughout the course of the tournament, he made the saves that he was supposed to make, along with a couple bigger saves, even against Belgium.

What’s going to stand out, though, is the glaring mistake he made that led directly to the third Belgium goal. That one really put the game out of reach for us and made it even more difficult to get back into it.

More U.S. Soccer Coverage

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Source

Even as it played a World Cup on home soil, the round of 16 remains a major hurdle for the U.S. men’s soccer team — and former USA player Stu Holden can’t help but feel underwhelmed following its most recent shortcoming. 

As the USA was outclassed by Belgium 4-1 on Monday, Holden was blunt in sharing his disappointment with the team’s performance.

“It’s a familiar feeling. We’ve been here before. I think that’s the most disheartening part of this because we get wrapped up in the moment,” Holden said on FOX Sports’ “World Cup Now.” 

“We become big fans of this team, the way they played, their personalities, their stories. We’ve seen a lot of these guys come up through MLS academies. There’s a lot of good players out there, and we want so much more for them. I wanted nothing more for these guys than to win.”

Even though Belgium dominated the USA in the round of 16, there were plenty of reasons to feel differently about this American squad than some of the others that have reached the round of 16 in recent World Cups. 

USA won three of its four matches, which was the most it had ever won in a single World Cup. In the one loss for the United States, it largely played its backups in a match that didn’t count for anything in the final group standings.

The American squad also proved they could play through adversity. In the round of 32, the USA doubled its lead over Bosnia and Herzegovina after star forward Folarin Balogun received a red card.

But even with all that momentum, the USA fell flat on its face on Monday. Three of the four goals it allowed came after it turned over the ball in its own lower third. The second of those three showed a clear sign of tentativeness from the American squad, with goalkeeper Matt Freese freezing when he tried to clear the ball. That allowed Belgium to steal the ball and score.

Plays like those had Holden believing that the spotlight was too bright for the USA side.

“I know the referendum that will be written about this group of players, and we’re going to sit here and dissect what was a disappointing night,” Holden said. “They shot themselves in the foot too many times. But once again, it comes to the moment being too big for a lot of these players and how they were feeling.”

“That will change over time, but I think that’s the only way you can explain that. Guys were doing things that were uncharacteristic to their normal things and what we’ve seen in this tournament. I thought they could’ve done it. But when you make those mistakes, the deflation — they just didn’t look like themselves tonight.”

Among the players that Holden thought disappointed on Monday night was USA star midfielder Christian Pulisic. 

“We just didn’t get big games from our big players tonight. Pulisic had a really tough night, a really tough night,” Holden said. “Even from the first minute of the game … Pulisic’s first five touches, three of them were turnovers. He looked like the moment was too big for him. I thought this was going to be a big game for him, and it just wasn’t.”

While FOX Sports soccer analyst and former U.S. men’s soccer team standout Mo Edu gave Pulisic a 6.5 rating for his performance, he statistically underwhelmed. Only two of his six dribbles were successful, as he also won just 25% of his ground duels. On top of that, the lone corner kick Pulisic took went straight to a Belgium player. 

Pulisic was ultimately subbed off in the 59th minute after he was moving around gingerly following a tough tackle moments earlier. 

But between Pulisic’s play and the self-inflicted errors, Holden thought the USA could’ve played better than it did and gave Belgium a good run for its money.

“That’s the thing that’s hard to sit here and tell people right now, is that these guys are really good and they can play with that Belgium team,” Holden said. “We’re not crazy to think they could’ve beat that team. But tonight was a night where we didn’t turn up, and it’s a harsh reminder that at this level, these are guys who play high-level games all the time. And they do not let you make mistakes and get away with it. We were punished. We were just too naive.”

United States vs Belgium Extended Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 16

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Ultimately, matches like Monday add more fodder to the narrative that the USA has a ways to go in order to be considered among the top teams in the world. 

Even as it won three of its first four matches, the USA’s three victories came against teams ranked outside the top 25 in the final FIFA rankings before the World Cup. Belgium, meanwhile, was ranked ninth. 

So, as the U.S. men’s national team is still searching to reach the quarterfinals at the World Cup for the first time since 2002, Holden understands those who might believe that this group underachieved. 

“Unfortunately, we are who we thought we were. We said coming into this tournament that we hoped we could get to a quarterfinal. We could’ve. But we said the round of 16 was probably the realistic expectation.”
 

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Source

The United States’ dream run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to an end.

On Monday, after a series of costly self-inflicted mistakes, the U.S. fell to Belgium 4-1 in the Round of 16.

Belgium struck early when a defensive miscommunication allowed Charles De Ketelaere to tap home the opening goal in the 9th minute. 

The Americans responded with a deflected Malik Tillman free kick to equalize. However, just 61 seconds later, De Ketelaere restored Belgium’s lead with his second goal of the match. In the second half, a costly mistake from Matt Freese gifted Belgium a third goal as the Red Devils ultimately cruised to a 4-1 win in Seattle. 

While it wasn’t the ending Americans had hoped for, there is still plenty to celebrate. 

The United States won its first World Cup knockout match since 2002, captivated the country with one of the program’s most memorable tournament runs, and gave supporters genuine optimism heading into the future. Under Mauricio Pochettino, the team showed it is moving in the right direction with a young core capable of competing on the world’s biggest stage.

So, just how historic was this World Cup run? Let’s look back at the moments and milestones that made the summer unforgettable.

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USA’s 2026 World Cup 

USA vs. Paraguay

The United States defeated Paraguay 4-1, getting off to a dream start to the tournament. 

• This was the first time USA scored four goals in a men’s World Cup match ever.
• The win tied its largest margin of victory in a men’s World Cup ever (had two 3-0 wins in 1930).
• The own goal scored by Damian Bobadilla was the third-fastest goal in a men’s World Cup match for the USA (Clint Dempsey scored— 1′ in 2014; John O’Brien— 4′ in 2002).
• The 7th minute goal was the third-fastest scored by a host nation in their opening match at a men’s World Cup after France in 1938 (1′) and Germany in 2006 (6′).
• This was the first time the USA had a three-goal lead after the first half of a men’s World Cup match.
• This was the first time the USA scored 2+ goals in the first half of a World Cup match since doing so vs. Portugal in 2002.
• Folarin Balogun became the second American man ever to score two goals in the first half of a World Cup match, and the first since 1930 (Bert Patenaude).
• Balogun became the first American man to have multiple goals in a World Cup game since Patenaude in 1930.

USA vs. Australia

The U.S. followed up its opening match with a 2-0 win over Australia, clinching a spot in the knockout round and eventually clinching its group for the third time ever and first since 2010. 

• USA won two straight men’s World Cup matches for the second time and the first since its first two all-time matches in the tournament in 1930.
• This became the second time USA won two group stage matches in a single World Cup (1930).
• USA became the second World Cup host nation to score a goal in the opening 15 minutes of each of its first two matches of that year’s competition, joining France in 1938.
• This was the first time USA led by multiple goals in consecutive World Cup matches since 1930, and just the fourth time ever.

The United States won its group at the World Cup for the first time since 2010 (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images).

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USA vs. Türkiye

Having already clinched the group by this point, the U.S. rested most of its starters. The Americans ultimately fell to Türkiye 3-2 off a late stoppage time (90’+8′) goal. 

• Despite the loss, USA finished with six points in the group, its most ever in a group stage at a World Cup.
• USA brought its goal tally to eight goals in this match, the most its ever scored in a single World Cup.
• USA became the fifth team to score a goal in the opening four minutes of both the first and second half of a World Cup match and the first since Nigeria vs. Argentina in 2014.
• USA became the seventh team in World Cup history to use at least 21 different starters in a single group stage.

USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Folarin Balogun gave the U.S. the lead with a goal right before the half. Then, after Balogun was sent off via a red card, Malik Tillman sealed the 2-0 win off a beautiful free-kick goal.

• USA advanced in a knockout stage match at the World Cup for the first time since reaching the quarterfinals in 2002.
• This was just the second knockout stage win at the World Cup for USA ever.
• This was the third knockout round victory over a European opponent in USA’s history (1924 Olympics vs Estonia, 2009 Confederations Cup vs Spain).
• With this result, USA won three matches at a World Cup for the first time ever.
• Maurico Pochettino became the first USA manager to reach three World Cup wins.
• USA scored multiple goals in four straight World Cup matches for the first time.

USA vs. Belgium

After losing to Belgium 4-1, the United States have now been eliminated at the Round of 16 in six of its seven appearances in that stage of the World Cup, including each of its last four appearances in the competition. 

• Malik Tillman became the second player on record (since 1966) with two goals on direct free kicks in the same World Cup; Bernard Genghini had two for France in 1982.
• Malik Tillman also became the first American player to score in successive knockout round matches in the World Cup.
• USA finished with 11 goals this tournament, extending its record for the most in tournament history.

While it did not end the way we all dreamed of, 2030 can’t come soon enough. 

Source

SEATTLE STADIUM — It’s the end of the world for the U.S. men’s national team.

The USA was the final 2026 FIFA World Cup co-host still standing after Canada and Mexico were eliminated over the weekend. On Monday, the Americans joined them, losing 4-1 to Belgium in front of another raucous home crowd with a spot in Friday’s quarterfinal against Spain on the line.

“Tonight was not a good performance,” midfielder Tyler Adams said. “It sucks.” 

Despite the controversial return of striker Folarin Balogun to coach Mauricio Pochettino’s starting lineup — Balogun, who was originally suspended for Monday’s contest because of the red card he received in last week’s 2-0 victory in the round of 32 over Bosnia and Herzegovina, was allowed to play by FIFA’s disciplinary committee following pressure from U.S. Soccer and government officials — the U.S. couldn’t top an opponent global soccer’s governing body ranks No. 9 to the Stars and Stripes’ No. 16.

It only took Charles De Ketelaere eight minutes to put Belgium ahead. And while USA playmaker Malik Tillman pulled the hosts level with his second free-kick goal in as many knockout games, the Belgian forward killed whatever momentum Tillman’s strike had generated by notching his second — the eventual game-winner — moments later to restore the Red Devils’ lead. 

They wouldn’t relinquish it again, with Hans Vanaken adding the backbreaking third in the second half following a mistake from Stars and Stripes keeper Matt Freese. Romelu Lukaku added insult to injury with Belgium’s fourth in stoppage time. 

“Today we didn’t show our real quality as a team,” Pochettino said. “We need to accept that sometimes this type of thing happens. But in a tournament like a World Cup, when that happens, you don’t have another chance.”

Monday’s defeat marks the fourth time the U.S. has been eliminated in the round of 16 since 2010. The Americans’ only win at that stage came against regional rival Mexico in 2002.

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Here are my four takeaways from the USA’s World Cup elimination loss:

1. Belgium Was The Better Team…

(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

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As impressive as the Belgians were in coming back to beat Senegal in the round of 32, despite trailing 2-0 late, the Red Devils hadn’t been overly convincing at this World Cup. In group play, they couldn’t beat Egypt. They couldn’t beat Iran. Rumors of infighting persisted even after Rudi Garcia’s team had advanced to the last 16.

Perhaps it was FIFA’s decision to overturn Balogun’s ban, but Belgium appeared as cohesive as could be from the first whistle on Monday. It’s not as if either of De Ketelaere goals came against the run of play; Garcia’s side outshot the U.S., 11-2, in the first half and enjoyed 53% of possession, even though the Americans trailed for all but 10 of the opening 45 minutes.

When the U.S. did have the ball, it didn’t do much with it. Pochettino’s squad had looked so sharp and assertive all tournament; suddenly it appeared sloppy and tentative in its biggest game. Even Tillman’s free kick lacked precision; only a fortunate deflection off the Belgian wall allowed the effort to beat veteran backstop Thibaut Courtois.

“I wouldn’t say we weren’t as aggressive” as in previous games, Christian Pulisic said. “Belgium had a good game plan. They played balls in behind us when we pressed and caused a lot of problems, won a lot of second balls, and they were good in the boxes. That’s what the game comes down to. And they were clinical.”

The second half wasn’t much better for the U.S. And when Belgium went up by two, the mountain was simply too tall for the Americans to climb.

2. … But Unforced Errors Doomed The USA. Again.

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) –>

Four years ago in Qatar, the U.S. began its round of 16 contest vs. the Netherlands superbly. But the Dutch punished the first mistake the Americans made — Memphis Depay was allowed to arrive in the box unchecked, easily finishing Denzel Dumfries’ deft cutback pass — and never looked back on the way to a decisive 3-1 victory.

With that unhappy experience under their belts, an older and wider USA was supposed to know better this time. That’s not how it played out. Errors are rarely forgiven at World Cups. That goes double in elimination games. Yet both of De Ketelaere’s goals were preventable; the other U.S. defenders were slow to react to Alex Freeman’s wayward clearance on the first. On the second, the Italy-based striker out-jumped flat-footed U.S. captain Tim Ream.

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The timing of Belgium’s second goal was terrible, coming just 61 seconds after play restarted following Tillman’s equalizer. While that strike killed the momentum, the fatal blow came just before the half-hour mark. Freese was the culprit this time, with Vanaken firing Belgium’s third into the Americans’ vacated net after Freese raced out of his 18-yard-box for an interception, only to promptly give the ball away.

“Obviously, disappointed for my error and judgment on the third goal,” Freese said. “I wish the result was different.”

3. Mauricio Pochettino Owns This Failure

(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

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On Sunday, Pochettino sought to insulate himself from criticism in the event of a loss, saying that he is but “a small part” and that his “players are responsible” for the outcome. But the buck stops with USA’s high-profile 54-year-old coach, who simply couldn’t coax a good performance out of his team against the only elite opponent it faced at this World Cup. 

Lured as a mercenary with a salary several multiples higher than any previous men’s or women’s boss, the Argentine was supposed to be the man capable of taking perhaps the most talented collection of Americans ever to new heights. Instead, it turned out to be more of the same.

While he set a new U.S. record with three World Cup wins, Pochettino was only able to equal what every one of his predecessors this century also achieved: reaching the round of 16. Gregg Berhalter did it four years ago in Qatar. Jürgen Klinsmann’s 2014 squad took Belgium to extra time. Bob Bradley did the same in 2010 after winning a group that included England. And none of them had the advantage of playing at home.

(Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

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“It was a very bad day,” Pochettino said. And it ensures that the Americans’ best showing since the inaugural World Cup in 1930 — Bruce Arena took the Americans all the way to the quarterfinals in 2002 — will remain so for at least another four years. 

All that talk about reaching the semis this summer, about leaving a legacy, about potentially even winning the World Cup — “Why Not Us?” Pochettino asked at every opportunity — was just that: talk.

Top-level sports are a results business. You are what your record says you are. After winning his first two games and a round of 32 match at this World Cup, the former Paris Saint-Germain manager, in the end lost the game that mattered the most. It was surely his last with the U.S., though he didn’t say so explicitly. “Now,” Pochettino said when asked if he might return, “is not a moment to talk about that.” 

4. What Comes Next For The Stars And Stripes?

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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Expect changes in the short term. Pochettino was probably never coming back after the World Cup anyway, despite the U.S. Soccer Federation offering before the World Cup to extend his contract through 2030. If that offer isn’t off the table now, it should be.

Who will replace Poch? With a search led by USSF CEO JT Batson, new COO Dan Helfrich and acting sporting director Oguchi Onyewu,my money is on Portuguese manager Roberto Martinez, who announced following his team’s loss to Spain that he would not return to the Lusos’ sideline.

Or, perhaps the USSF will buy American. There aren’t many obvious domestic candidates; among those, former U.S. assistant B.J. Callaghan might have the best case, having led the U.S. to the 2023 Nations League title as interim coach.

Beyond that, who knows? Wednesday’s defeat doesn’t fall on Batson or U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone, who both have been wildly successful in their respective roles.

Finally, this was surely the international swan song for players such as 38-year-old captain Tim Ream, reserve midfielder Cristian Roldan and others, too. Will Antonee “Jedi” Robinson’s knees last to Morocco, Portugal and Spain for the 2030 World Cup, when he’ll be almost 33? What about the fragile hamstrings of Tyler Adams or Gio Reyna or Sergiño Dest? Adams, McKennie and Pulisic will all also be on the wrong side of 30. Matt Turner will turn 36 during the 2030 World Cup.

Pochettino’s roster featured 13 holdovers from 2022. It’s hard to see that many mainstays returning four years from now. 

“Right now it definitely stinks,” Pulisic said. “[We’ll try to] get some rest now and bounce back as best we can.”

United States vs Belgium Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 16

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Source

“They lost the game before they even stepped out onto the pitch.” Harsh words from United States women’s national team legend Carli Lloyd? Maybe, but following the U.S. men’s 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16 on Monday at Seattle Stadium, it’s hard to argue.

It was a comprehensive victory for Belgium, which looked like the better side from the beginning. Despite the USA having a positive start to the tournament, scoring 10 goals through its first four games, the Americans once again failed to get over a hurdle that has been difficult for them in the past: the round of 16.

Now, with this being a home World Cup, questions have to be asked about whether the United States really lived up to expectations.

“I’m not sure why, and I don’t know the reasons, but just from the beginning, just chasing, tentative, scared, just not confident on the ball,” Lloyd, a two-time World Cup-winner with the U.S., said.

At the center of it all was Christian Pulisic, the face of the U.S. men’s national team. Pulisic did not have the tournament many expected. He failed to register a single goal, had a very solid first 45 minutes against Paraguay before coming off with an injury, missed the Australia game and played 33 minutes against Türkiye.

Against Bosnia in the round of 32, Pulisic did not stand out in an otherwise good performance for the U.S., and he did not do much in the loss to Belgium before eventually being subbed off due to injury.

(Photo by John Dorton/USSF/Getty Images)

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It was not the best tournament for Pulisic, and Lloyd seemed to agree.

“You wanted some of those big-time players to step up in big moments,” Lloyd said. “And I gotta be honest, I was a bit disappointed with Christian Pulisic. “I think whether he wants to be the star of this team or not, we didn’t see enough from him in this particular game and really the whole World Cup. Little glimpses here and there.”

The United States suffered a bad loss to Belgium, and it is one that will sting. But the U.S. also has to build on the momentum from the tournament as a whole, especially from some of its earlier performances.

The hope now is that the national team, and U.S. Soccer as a whole, can take advantage of all the new fans who got into the sport this summer and turn that momentum into real long-term growth for the sport in the country.

“Aside from this loss, I think on the brighter storyline, it’s been a fantastic World Cup,” Lloys said. “This team has united the country, they have gotten American fans to fall in love with them, and there is a bright future. But this is just a real disappointing loss to go out on.”

As for Pulisic, he is 27 and will be 31 at the next World Cup. It remains to be seen what his role will be with the U.S. men’s national team going forward, especially coming off a disappointing tournament and a frustrating final performance against Belgium.

Source

United States forward Christian Pulisic could only watch from the bench as Belgium extinguished his team’s World Cup bid, ending a tournament in which the American star was hobbled by injuries and largely ineffective.

The most accomplished U.S. striker, Pulisic was held scoreless in his second World Cup. He has 33 goals in 90 international appearances but has scored just once in eight World Cup games — against Iran in the group stage in 2022.

For the second time in this World Cup, Pulisic left a match in the second half with an injury, leaving Monday’s 4-1 loss to Belgium after twisting his right ankle when he extended for a shot attempt and hit the boot of Belgium captain Youri Tielemans in the 52nd minute.

After spending a few moments lying on the pitch, Pulisic began favoring the foot and was replaced in the 59th by Sebastian Berhalter with the U.S. trailing 3-1.

Having to come out of the game was “difficult for me to deal with,” he said.

“I felt really good this summer with the guys and I thought my level was high,” Pulisic said. “It’s disappointing I didn’t quite have the moments I was hoping to and to try to help us to get over this next step of beating a really good team.”

(Photo by John Dorton/USSF/Getty Images)

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U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said after the game he hoped Pulisic’s injury was nothing serious and that Pulisic would be able to reintegrate with his club, AC Milan. Players typically get 21 days off after the end of the World Cup before having to report to their clubs.

Pulisic was slowed by a calf injury during the group stage. After a sparkling first half in the first U.S. game, a 4-1 victory over Paraguay, he sat for the rest of the match due to stiffness from a calf injury incurred in training.

(Photo by Jared C. Tilton – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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He sat out the Americans’ win over Australia before entering as a substitute in the group-stage loss to Turkey. Pulisic returned to the starting lineup for the Americans’ 2-0 win against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32.

He said Monday he will “try and stay positive,” adding: “I did a lot of good things and the team did as well.”

“He’s going to bounce back,” American defender Alex Freeman said. “He’s a great player and a person that’s always going to fight.”

United States Press Conference: Mauricio Pochettino on Round of 16 Loss vs Belgium

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Reporting by The Associated Press.

Source

Argentina will face Egypt in a 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 showdown on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Atlanta Stadium on FOX. 

As expected, Argentina is in a sixth straight World Cup round of 16. However, it wasn’t as easy as it was originally thought to be. 

In one of the most thrilling World Cup games of all time, Argentina needed extra time to escape debutant Cape Verde in the round of 32. 

But with the win, Argentina has now won a team-record 11 straight games and is unbeaten in 10 straight World Cup games, tying a team record. La Albiceleste has also scored multiple goals in 10 straight World Cup matches, equaling the second-longest streak ever (1938-58 West Germany) and one shy of the longest (1930-54 Uruguay). 

With his goal against Cape Verde, Lionel Messi has now scored seven of Argentina’s 11 goals at this World Cup. 

Meanwhile, Egypt advanced in the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in its nation’s history, eliminating Australia on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Aside from the 3-1 win over outmatched New Zealand, Egypt’s games have been very even, all ending in 1-1 draws as Egypt conceded 44 shots while taking 43 in those three matches. 

Let’s check out the odds for the Argentina vs. Egypt matchup at FanDuel Sportsbook as of July 7. 

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Lionel Messi is -170 to score against Egypt (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images). –>

Argentina vs. Egypt Odds

Moneyline

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• Argentina: -290 (bet $10 to win $13.45 total)
• Egypt: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
• Draw: +370 (bet $10 to win $47 total)

Spread 

• Argentina -1.5: +110 (bet $10 to win $21 total)
• Egypt +0.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total)

Over/Under Total Odds: 2.5

• Over: +104 (bet $10 to win $20.40 total)
• Under: -128 (bet $10 to win $17.81 total)

Argentina vs. Egypt Prediction, Pick

From FOX Sports Research:

• Among the 16 remaining teams, Egypt ranks near the bottom in possession (13th with 56%), goals (14th with six), expected goals (14th with 5.1) and shot quality (14th with 0.08 xG/shot), and it has only won one of its four games this tournament in regulation. Meanwhile, after getting a brief scare against Cape Verde, expect Argentina to bounce back in a big way after the wakeup call in the round of 32. Take Argentina -1.5.

How to Watch Argentina vs. Egypt

• When: Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Where: Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOX Sports, FOX Sports App

Let’s take a look at some other bets for the match. 

Anytime Goalscorer Props

• Lionel Messi: -170 (bet $10 to win $14.44 total)
• Lautaro Martínez: +125 (bet $10 to win $22.50 total)
• Julián Alvarez: +125 (bet $10 to win $22.50 total)
• José Manuel López: +150 (bet $10 to win $25 total)
• Mohamed Salah: +425 (bet $10 to win $52.50 total)

To Advance

• Argentina: -750 (bet $10 to win $11.33 total)
• Egypt: +510 (bet $10 to win $61 total)

Both Teams to Score

• Yes: +146 (bet $10 to win $24.60 total)
• No: -186 (bet $10 to win $15.38 total)

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Lionel Messi and Argentina meet Egypt in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET from Atlanta Stadium.

Argentina went undefeated in their group stage, beating Algeria 3-0 in their opener, Austria 2-0 in their second match and Jordan 3-1 in their third match. In the round of 32, World Cup Cinderella Cape Verde gave the defending champs all they could handle, but Argentina prevailed 3-2 in extra time. Lionel Messi is tied with Norway’s Erling Haaland and France’s Kylian Mbappé for the top of the Golden Boot Race, scoring seven times in the tournament so far.

Egypt drew 1-1 with Belgium in their opener, beat New Zealand 3-1 in their second match, drew 1-1 with Iran in their third match and drew 1-1 with Australia before advancing on penalty kicks in the round of 32. 

Below are the details on how to watch.

How to Watch Argentina vs. Egypt

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• When: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Where: Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, GA
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOX Sports

Argentina vs. Egypt Preview

Lionel Messi against Egypt’s last line is the clearest pressure point in this match.

Argentina still runs through Messi, and he is in sharp form. Argentina also keeps the ball well and creates a steady stream of attacking sequences, so Messi is likely to keep getting touches in the spots that decide games.

Egypt has enough resistance to make that battle real. Mohamed Salah has been their main creator with 15 chances created. Egypt’s crossing game has been productive enough to score 3 headed goals, which means they can force Argentina to defend and keep Messi from living in the final third all match. If Egypt can survive those early Messi touches and make Argentina defend wide service and second balls, the game stays tense.

Watch the first stretch when Messi starts finding pockets around the box, because that will tell you whether Egypt is containing the tournament’s hottest finisher or spending the day scrambling.

Player to Watch 

Lionel Messi

Forward

Argentina

It is hard to think of things that have not been said about Messi, but the Inter Miami attacker has now scored in eight straight World Cup matches. In his career, Messi has 12 goal contributions in the knockout stages of the World Cup. He remains at the heart of everything Argentina does, and even at his age, that might be enough for Argentina to win a second straight title. 

MESSI MAGIC ⭐️ Lionel Messi Scores His 20th FIFA World Cup™ Goal For Argentina

Argentina’s Lionel Messi scored his 20th FIFA World Cup™ goal to take a 1-0 lead against Cape Verde.

Argentina vs. Egypt Odds

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SEATTLE STADIUM —It was impossible not to feel for Folarin Balogun as the soft-spoken U.S. men’s national team forward answered question after question following the USA’s World Cup-ending 4-1 loss to Belgium on Monday. 

Over the past month, Balogun emerged as this country’s undisputed breakout star at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring three goals and endearing himself to fans, teammates and media members as the tournament co-hosts romped through the first round. 

The appreciation for the 25-year-old New York-born, London-bred striker only grew in the hours and days after he was given a red card during last week’s round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovinia for an innocuous play that, under FIFA’s rules, shouldn’t have been flagged by the video assistant referee and wasn’t even called a foul on the field.

And then all hell broke loose.

(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

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Through no fault of his own, Balogun was thrust into the center of a colossal international news story in the 36 hours that preceded the USA’s embarrassing defeat. 

The short version: President Trump said he called FIFA chief Gianni Infantino and asked global soccer’s governing body to review the decision; FIFA’s disciplinary committee then suspended Balogun’s one-match ban without explaining why; the Royal Belgian Football Association predictably went berserk, threatening legal action if Balogun played.

He did, though the lopsided result obviously renders the issue moot. The first World Cup on American soil in 32 years is over for the co-hosts; the Red Devils will take on Spain on Friday in Los Angeles for a spot in the semifinals. But the whole sordid affair was, understandably, an emotional roller coaster for Balogun.

“I accepted the decision when I was given the red card. Then I also accepted the decision when I was told I could play,” he told a scrum of reporters about an hour after the Americans were eliminated. 

The decision was unusual. While several players — including Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo — who would’ve normally missed World Cup games after being sent off in a competitive match before the main event were granted amnesty by FIFA beforehand, Balogun became the first player since 1962 not to have to sit out a game after getting sent off at the World Cup itself.

“When you’re given a red card, usually the protocol is you don’t play in the following game,” Balogun said. “When that decision’s overturned, it’s going to be controversial.”

(Photo by Sarah Stier – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Every U.S. player who was asked insisted that the media circus that ensued as a result didn’t distract them from the task at hand against Belgium, which came into Monday’s contest ranked ninth to the Stars and Stripes’ No. 16.

“It had no impact,” captain Tim Ream said. “If anything,” Adams said, Balogun’s unexpected availability “probably uplifted us.”

 How about Balogun?

“As a player, my job was just to go out there and focus,” said Balogun, who, like the rest of his teammates with the possible exception of goalscorer Malik Tillman, didn’t do much on a night where almost nothing went right for the U.S. “I’m disappointed we weren’t able to win.”

(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

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Some have suggested that the flare-up gave Belgium an added incentive to beat the Americans, that it was the ultimate bulletin-board material. “What can we do? We’re not gonna cry,” Red Devils midfielder Dodi Lukébakio said. “If he was allowed to play, he’s allowed to play.

“If we started the game thinking too much that it’s unfair,” Lukébakio added, “Then we would not have the result we had today.”

As Balogun spoke post-game, several passing Belgian players gave him a pat on the back or side. However much they may have disagreed with the decision, it was obvious none of them harbored any personal ill feelings toward Balogun, who plays in France’s Ligue 1 with several of the men on the Red Devils’ roster.

(Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

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If there was any doubt, Belgium coach Rudi Garcia made it clear when he spoke to Balogun after the final whistle mercifully sounded for the home team.

“He said he hopes that this situation won’t overshadow the fantastic World Cup I’ve had,” Balogun said. “He just wanted to encourage me to be positive and to be proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish in this tournament.

“When the emotions settle,” Balogun continued, “That’s something I think I’ll be able to do.”

Folarin Balogun’s Best Moments 2026 FIFA World Cup™ 🇺🇸

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Shortly after Romelu Lukaku scored the goal that capped a commanding 4-1 win over the United States, Belgium’s all-time leading goal scorer held his right hand to his ear.

On American soil, and in the aftermath of star U.S. forward Folarin Balogun being permitted to play after a one-game red-card suspension was controversially lifted by FIFA, Lukaku egged on the crowd of 66,925 at Seattle Stadium.

The Red Devils then took to social media to poke more fun in light of what they considered no laughing matter, posting above the photo the words: “Overturn this.”

“There’s always a justice somewhere in life,” Belgian midfielder Nicolas Raskin said. “The fact that something happened like that, we don’t think that was fair. And today, I think it just brings us a little bit of (motivation) that we needed to win the game.”

The Belgian soccer federation wanted an explanation from FIFA about the decision to let Balogun play. Many of Belgium’s players, though, insisted they didn’t need any additional motivation for Monday’s match.

Belgium extended its unbeaten streak to 18 games, and knocked out the U.S. in the round of 16 for the second time in 12 years.

American players including defender Alex Freeman entered the evening wanting revenge for 2014, and for a 5-2 blowout loss in a World Cup warmup match in March. Belgium captain Youri Tielemans and company had other ideas, and collectively turned in a clinical performance.

“We put in a lot of intensity, there was quality too,” Tielemans said. “Defensively, we were really compact. We tried to put them under pressure and it really worked out for us. We scored at the right moments, too.”

Though Lukaku put the finishing touches on the win, it was not Belgium’s so-called “Golden Generation” that propelled the side to victory. Jeremy Doku didn’t start for the Red Devils, and Kevin De Bruyne never came off the bench.

(Photo by DIRK WAEM / BELGA MAG / Belga / AFP via Getty Images)

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Rather than Lukaku or De Bruyne, the two most accomplished scorers in Belgian national team history, it was Charles De Ketelaere who tallied a brace. De Ketelaere considered the showing his greatest yet for the Red Devils, whose four goals were the most the U.S. had allowed in a World Cup game since a 5-1 loss to Czechoslovakia in 1990.

“It’s a great feeling to put out this performance in this game and to go through,” De Ketelaere said. “It’s amazing for the team and for the country.”

Hans Vanaken also scored for Belgium, which went quite close to not advancing to the round of 16 in the first place. To even play the U.S. required a dramatic comeback from a two-goal deficit to beat Senegal in the round of 32.

Belgium LATE WINNER After VAR, Youri Tielemans Coverts Penalty to Defeat Senegal in Extra Time

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The Red Devils were shaky at the beginning of the tournament, settling for draws against Iran and Egypt. If not for a dominant 5-1 win over New Zealand, Belgium may have failed to get out of the group stage, just as it came up short four years ago in Qatar.

“I think we could (have done) much better in the group phase,” midfielder Dodi Lukebakio said. “But, we grew. Today, we are showing that we have more confidence. And with the results, it helps us a lot. And, we are showing our quality, definitely.”

The Red Devils next play 2010 champion Spain on Friday at Inglewood, California, for a semifinal berth against France or Morocco.

They will do so without midfielder Amadou Onana, who coach Rudi Garcia said sustained a “serious injury” while marking U.S. forward Christian Pulisic in the 19th minute. Vanaken replaced Onana in the 21st minute.

Aside from Onana’s injury, which Garcia referred to as a “dark cloud” that hung over the team, it was Belgium’s night. Considering the build-up to the game, which included President Donald Trump calling FIFA president Gianni Infantino seeking a review of Balogun’s red card, it made the victory that much sweeter.

“Our job was to show on the pitch that we are here for football,” Tielemans said. “That decision was out of our hands, and we just had to talk on the field. And, we did that today.”

Veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois apparently wasn’t upset by the pre-match drama.

“I read things and I laughed,” he said. “I was more sure of beating the USA than Senegal, because Senegal is a better soccer team than the United States.”

United States vs Belgium Extended Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 16

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Reporting by The Associated Press.

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