PA playing “Closing Time.” Fitting’

The USMNT deserved a better end. And the firestorm they were thrust into the last few days helped to rob them of it.

Country Roads not playing

Poch is making his way around the field, hugging each of his players.

We've gone final. The USMNT is out of the World Cup. Several of the players look shocked, and Richards is on his knees, his head buried in the grass.

Belgium makes it 4-1 in stoppage time.

OMG. The most shambolic of scenarios and Belgium might just have put this out of reach. Freese tried to get too cute with his clearance with De Kentelaere right behind him. De Kentelaere grabs the ball and shoots, and Ream tries to clear it with outside of his foot and just whiffs.

And just like that De Ketelaere puts Belgium back in front. Towers above Ream to nod home Trossard's cross. Ugh. Dest did nothing to prevent the cross and Freeman comes over too late to help. #usmnt

Two minutes after UMNT ties it, they fall behind again. De Ketelaere is killing them.

GAME ON!!!! Malik Tillman scores on another FK. It's deflected in but result is the same and the USMNT have tied it at 1 in the 31st minute. Lumen Field might explode.

not sure if "everybody play their worst game of the tournament all at once" is the winning strategy here for the U.S.

I thought if anything, the danger for the USMNT was being too amped up and being a little chaotic. Instead, straight-up not ready to play. Belgium's not even in top gear here, it's just been pretty simple for them.

For the first time at the 2026 World Cup, the USMNT concede the opening goal 🫣

Onana goes down and immediately grabs his right knee. He's able to walk off the field but he's limping. Tried to give it a go on the sidelines but no, he's done for the night.

USMNT playing in a state of real fear and hesitation, multiple big mistakes that boil down to not taking the initiative to do a thing.

This is the most tentative I've seen this lineup. Belgium has been controlling this game early.

France star Kylian Mbappe has called Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla a "despicable woman" following her racist remarks.

They set off fireworks after the anthems and there's a huge cloud of smoke hanging over the field.

There is one very small section of Belgium fans. Rest are all US fans.

Seattle fans singing anthem at full throat again.

Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career is over? Good riddance.

Belgium has De Bruyne and Doku on the bench. Not sure what that's all about.

Lineups are out and Balo is, as expected, starting.

Fans cheer when Pochettino getting off the bus is shown on the Jumbotron.

The Lumen Field PA folks have gotten the memo and are playing Ella Langley.

ICYMI

Chris Richards at first thought it was AI. Christian Pulisic said it 'just feels right' USMNT players react to Folarin Balogun being allowed to play

So much petty bitchiness already going on, I love it. This is basically a Real Housewives episode but Sports

Pochettino called FIFA’s decision to lift Balogun suspension `fair,' in part because he doesn’t think Balogun deserved a red card in the first place.

Wrote after Iran was eliminated that when FIFA rewrites its rules for what it thinks is one specific case, the precedent is forever set. Balo decision is direct result of the Ronaldo decision last year.

It’s pretty rich for President Trump and his minions to glom onto Balogun’s case, given he’s fought mightily to deny citizenship to people like Balogun.

HUGE news for the USMNT. FIFA disciplinary committee has lifted the one-game suspension on Balogun. It’s … curious, but FIFA did something similar so Ronaldo didn’t miss any of Portugal’s games at this World Cup.

The co-hosts are one win from their first quarterfinal in 24 years, but Belgium and a familiar ghost from 2014 stand in the way.

ICYMI

15 charters from Morocco for the game against Canada in Houston. They are now going straight back. Quite an operation. Fan at the airport thinks about 4,000-4,500 traveled for the game.

I was deadset against expansion. I was wrong. It’s been fabulous.

Paraguay having 0 yellow cards is the best stat in this game

Lot of shithousing by Paraguay. France easily could have had another one or two PKs.

The USMNT mirrors the country it represents. And reminds us of what had made this country one to be admired for (most of) our 250 years.

USMNT is going with friends and family to a rooftop to watch fireworks for the Fourth.

USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino adds baseball to his American adventure

Folarin Balogun described his red card as “unjust.” He chose his words carefully, for same reason he didn’t lash out when it happened. “There's still lots of people … little kids, boys and girls who are watching. We have to show them correct way to handle things”

Country music is already cranking at Husky Soccer Field.

USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino adds baseball to his American adventure

Folarin Balogun described his red card as “unjust.” He chose his words carefully, for same reason he didn’t lash out when it happened. “There's still lots of people … little kids, boys and girls who are watching. We have to show them correct way to handle things”

Mariners mascot in the U.S. jersey

USMNT has arrived at Mariners ballpark, where they’ll be recognized before the game. Not many people in their seats but cheers went up when they were shown on the Jumbotron.

LIONEL MESSI IS RIDICULOUS! He becomes the first player in World Cup history to score a goal in 8 consecutive matches. 🤯 via @TelemundoSports

Weston McKennie warming up before the USMNT attends the Mariners game tonight. Pochettino is throwing out the first pitch

Matt Turner, who threw out first pitch at an Angels game earlier in the tournament, is giving Poch pointers.