USA-Belgium becomes most-watched soccer telecast in US history with staggering viewership numbers

Dan Dakich reacts to the USMNT getting blown out by Belgium in the World Cup

The USA-Belgium game made history.

The USA’s 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16 on Monday night in Seattle set a viewership record, drawing 30 million viewers and becoming the most-watched soccer telecast in U.S. history.

The peak audience was 36.895 million, from 9:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. ET.

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Belgium's Romelu Lukaku, left, kicks the ball past the United States' Chris Richards to score his team's fourth goal during the World Cup Round of 16 match in Seattle, Washington. Monday, July 6, 2026. (Lindsey Wasson/AP Photo)

The USMNT unfortunately did not deliver for the massive audience, as their run came to a close in disheartening fashion. Despite Folarin Balogun’s suspension being overturned, the USMNT could not muster enough offense.

Belgium took advantage of the USMNT defensive mistakes, as Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring just nine minutes into the match after a defensive breakdown gave Belgium an early lead.

Malik Tillman, who scored on a free kick against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, worked his magic again on another free kick to tie the score at 1-1 in the 31st minute. Tillman’s shot deflected off a defender and found its way into the back of the net, sending the vociferous Seattle crowd into a frenzy.

The raucous cheers were short-lived, however, as De Ketelaere scored his second goal shortly after in the 33rd minute to put Belgium back on top, 2-1.

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Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal against the United States in Seattle, Washington. Monday, July 6, 2026. (Maddy Grassy/AP Photo)

The USMNT came