World Cup: Disastrous U.S. sequence with goalie out of box allows Belgium to take 3-1 lead

After a rough first half against Belgium, USA remained a goal away in the second from equalizing while trailing, 2-1. But a disastrous sequence shortly out of the break allowed Belgium to double its lead to 3-1. In the 57th minute, Belgium booted a deep ball from its own territory toward the U.S. goal. Three U.S. players gave chase alongside Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere with a chance to take contol of the ball. But U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese stepped several feet outside of the box in an effort to corral it himself. Except he didn’t. De Ketelaere kicked the ball loose from Freese after Freese planted his left toe in the dirt in a missed effort to kick the ball. Belgium’s Hans Vanaken then took control with only U.S. defender Tim Ream standing anywhere near the goal. But Ream couldn’t block it, and the ball rolled in slowly for a Belgium goal. Belgium finds a third pic.twitter.com/0m1Hu4qzwR — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 7, 2026 Replay showed that Ream had a chance to block the ball, but lifted his left leg while off balance just as the ball cleared below his foot. Another look at Belgium's third goal pic.twitter.com/71ldzuhbAk — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 7, 2026 It added up to a disaster for USA in terms of decision making and execution as Belgium scored with Freese nowhere close to his place in goal. And it continued what had already been a rough day for Ream, who was on the wrong end of Belgium’s previous two goals. This story will be updated.