Malik Tillman created a historic moment with another brilliant direct free kick at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but it proved to be of little consolation as the United States crashed out of the round of 16 on Monday with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Belgium at Seattle’s Lumen Arena.Despite the heartbreaking exit, Tillman etched his name in the record books as the first U.S. Men’s National Team player to score multiple direct free kick goals in a game. fifa world cup over the past 60 years. His stunning 31st-minute strike briefly revived the hosts’ hopes after Belgium took an early lead, but the Red Devils quickly regained control before progressing to the quarter-finals.Belgium will face Spain in the quarter-finals as they continue their pursuit of a maiden World Cup title.
Tillman’s historic strike fuels hope
The hosts endured a nightmare start, with Charles de Cotrare opening the scoring in the eighth minute, exposing the defensive weaknesses that had plagued Mauricio Pochettino’s side throughout the tournament.The U.S. found its way back into the game just after the half-hour mark. Folarin Balogun, who had his controversial red card suspension lifted by FIFA before the game, was brought down about 25 yards from goal by Brandon Mechele.Tillman stepped up and curled a brilliant free-kick just past Hans Varnaken before beating Thibaut Courtois to level the score at 1-1. The goal was his second direct free kick at the World Cup, making him the first American to achieve this feat at a World Cup in six decades.However, the celebration lasted only a minute.watch:Belgium restored their advantage just 61 seconds after the restart when Dirk Tralé headed home his second goal of the night, once again sending the home fans into silence.
Belgium punishes US for costly mistake
Belgium’s strength and experience ultimately proved too much for the host nation.The Red Devils extended their lead early in the second half after goalkeeper Matt Freese committed a costly error. Freese, who was trying to control a long pass, hesitated and inadvertently kicked the ball to Dirk Trarey, allowing Vanaken to score from distance as the rebound fell.Despite the introduction of new attacking options by the United States, Belgium continued to dominate proceedings.Romelu Lukaku, who came on in the 67th minute, scored his third goal in World Cup appearances on a misplaced pass from Chris Richards in stoppage time.The loss means the United States has been eliminated in the round of 16 in six of its seven games at this stage of the World Cup, including the last four knockout games.
