The United States’ FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash against Belgium has become the most-watched soccer telecast in American history, with 30 million viewers tuning in despite the co-host nation’s 4-1 defeat and elimination from the tournament.According to preliminary ratings released by Fox on Tuesday, 30 million viewers tuned in to watch Belgium eliminate the United States at Seattle Stadium on Monday. The audience peaked at more than 36.8 million viewers between 9:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. ET, surpassing the previous record of 26.4 million viewers set by the United States’ World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina last week.The result also marked the end of the road for the final remaining co-host after Canada and Mexico had already exited the tournament in the Round of 16.
Belgium cruise into quarter-finals with unbeaten streak
Belgium produced a dominant display, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice in the first half, Hans Vanaken adding his first-ever FIFA World Cup goal, and substitute Romelu Lukaku sealing a comprehensive 4-1 victory in stoppage time.The Red Devils took control early after Leandro Trossard’s dangerous delivery created the opening for De Ketelaere to score. Although the United States briefly equalised through Malik Tillman’s deflected free-kick, Belgium restored its lead just 116 seconds later when Trossard found De Ketelaere again for his second goal.A costly error by goalkeeper Matt Freese shortly before the hour allowed Vanaken to extend Belgium’s lead, before Lukaku capitalised on a late defensive mistake to complete the scoring.The victory stretched Belgium’s impressive unbeaten run under head coach Rudi Garcia. Since losing 3-1 to Ukraine in March 2025 in Garcia’s first match in charge, Belgium has gone unbeaten with 12 wins and six draws across all competitions, including the FIFA World Cup, UEFA World Cup qualifiers, UEFA Nations League play-offs and international friendlies.Belgium will now face Spain in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals at Los Angeles Stadium on July 11, after Spain knocked out Portugal in the Round of 16.
