Malik Tillman produced a moment of history with another superb free kick at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but was shown little consolation as the United States crashed out of the tournament after a comprehensive 4-1 defeat by Belgium in their round of 16 clash at Seattle’s Lumen Field on Monday.Despite the heartbreaking exit, Tillman etched his name into the record books by becoming the first US men’s national team player to score multiple direct free kick goals at one point. FIFA World Cup in the last 60 years. His stunning 31st-minute strike briefly restored hope for the hosts after Belgium had taken an early lead, but the Red Devils quickly regained control before cruising into the quarter-finals.Belgium will now face Spain in the last eight as they continue their quest for the World Cup title.
Tillman’s historic strike raises hope
The hosts suffered a nightmare start when Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the eighth minute, exposing the defensive frailties that had plagued Mauricio Pochettino’s side throughout the tournament.The United States found a way back into the contest just after half an hour. Folarin Balogun, whose controversial red card suspension was lifted by FIFA before the match, was brought down about 25 meters from goal by Brandon Mechele.Tillman stepped up and ran a superb free-kick that took a slight deflection off Hans Vanaken before beating Thibaut Courtois, leveling the scores at 1-1. The goal marked his second straight free-kick of the tournament, making him the first American in six decades to achieve the feat in a World Cup.However, the celebrations lasted barely a minute.WATCH:Just 61 seconds after the restart, Belgium restored their lead as De Ketelaere hit his second goal of the evening, silencing the home crowd once again.
Belgium punishes costly American mistakes
Belgium’s quality and experience ultimately proved too much for the tournament hosts.The Red Devils extended their lead early in the second half after a costly error by goalkeeper Matt Freese. Attempting to control a long ball, Freese hesitated before inadvertently throwing the ball against De Ketelaere, allowing Vanaken to score from distance after the rebound fell gently.Belgium continued to dictate the process despite the United States introducing new attack options.Romelu Lukaku, introduced in the 67th minute, added the finishing touch in stoppage time after capitalizing on Chris Richards’ misplaced pass to score his third goal in as many World Cup appearances.The defeat means the United States have been eliminated in the Round of 16 in six of their seven appearances at this stage of the World Cup, including each of their last four knockout campaigns.
