United States emotions got the better of them at the start when the Belgium destroy them on the pitch. Matt Freese, a Harvard alumnus, was under siege and as a result Belgium got an easy goal at 9 minutes by Charles De Ketelaere to make it 1-0. The United States would calm down and Malik Tillman would score off the free kick and deflection in the 31^st minute to make it 1-1. However, the United States’ emotions would get the better of them again just 61 seconds later. De Ketelaere would score again to make it 2-1 Belgium in the 33^rd minute. Halftime could not come at a better time for the US as this was one of the worst halves they had in this World Cup.

Duke is sticking with two powerhouse picks as the knockout stage rolls on:

• USA over Belgium

• France over Morocco

Duke has made his latest Group Stage picks, and he’s feeling confident about these matchups: USA over Türkiye, England over Ghana, and France over Norway.

Duke is feeling confident about these upcoming World Cup predictions: Norway over Iraq, USA over Australia, and Scotland over Morocco.

The United States came into the 2026 World Cup hungry. Past competitions and international friendly results have led to dismal results entering this World Cup and the team is currently seeking a reset entering the tournament.

Mexico and Canada co-hosts along with the United States in the World Cup, have already produced favorable results for the host nations. Mexico won their first match and Canada got a draw to produce their first ever point in a World Cup.

The US is not favored to win the World Cup, but they need to come away from this tournament with a positive outlook for the men’s team going into the future. Matt Freese, a Harvard alumnus, gets the start today over the New England Revolution’s Matt Turner who is more seasonal than Fresse in the goal for the USMNT. Perhaps Freese’s start is a look to the future.

USMNT - good luck boys.