World Cup: Disastrous U.S. sequence with goalie Matt Freese out of box allows Belgium to double lead in 4-1 win

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 en route to a dominant 4-1 win in Seattle. 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 control 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 the ball, and it 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. Belgium stunned USA early as was in control of the game from the opening minute. It then took the lead in the ninth minute as USA's defense collapsed near the box. Nicolas Raskin delivered a cross from the left side of the box that De Ketelaere converted to the back of the net with little resistance. Ream stood nearly frozen as Raskin's pass rolled in front of him to De Ketelaere's foot. Belgium takes an early lead pic.twitter.com/Ig1uFYtLdI — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 7, 2026 Then in the 33rd minute, De Ketelaere scored again. This time, Leandro Trossard delivered a cross from the left baseline that De Ketelaere headed in past Freese. Belgium retakes the lead pic.twitter.com/KveurH34e6 — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 7, 2026 Replay shows that Ream had position to put his head on the ball first. But De Ketelaere outmuscled him from behind to get his head on the ball over the top of Ream's. Charles De Ketelaere bags his brace pic.twitter.com/EUpBXv9CpC — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 7, 2026 Belgium went on to add an insurance goal late, capping a dominant performance and a disappointing effort from USA with a trip to the quarterfinals at stake. This story will be updated.