Belgium ended the United States' World Cup run on home soil Monday, July 7, with a 4-1 rout in Seattle that sent all three co-host nations home before the quarterfinals. But for fans in Miami Beach, the tournament isn't over: free public watch parties at The Bandshell and The Sandbowl on Collins Avenue will run through the July 19 final.
Charles De Ketelaere scored twice and assisted on a third goal as Belgium exposed the Americans' defense at Lumen Field in front of 66,925 fans. Malik Tillman briefly tied the match 1-1 in the 31st minute with a free kick, but Belgium retook the lead just 61 seconds later.
"Everyone saw from the beginning we didn't connect with the game," U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino said.
Christian Pulisic, the Americans' biggest star, injured his right foot in the 52nd minute after colliding with Belgium captain Youri Tielemans on a shot attempt. He watched the final 38 minutes and stoppage time from the bench. Substitute Romelu Lukaku added Belgium's fourth in the 93rd minute, extending his record as Belgium's all-time leading World Cup scorer with eight career tournament goals, according to Fox Sports.
The controversial pregame storyline followed the Americans onto the pitch. Folarin Balogun, whose red-card suspension FIFA lifted on Sunday, July 5, started the match after President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review. The Belgian Football Association challenged Balogun's eligibility before kickoff, but FIFA dismissed the appeal. Balogun, who led the U.S. with three tournament goals, was held scoreless.
The loss continued a painful pattern. The U.S. has been eliminated in the Round of 16 in six of its seven appearances at that stage, with its only quarterfinal run coming in 2002.
What's next for Miami Beach fans
The World Cup quarterfinals begin Thursday, July 9, with Morocco vs. France at 4 p.m., followed by Belgium vs. Spain on Friday, July 10, at 3 p.m.
Miami Beach's free watch party schedule picks up for the semifinals and finals at The Bandshell, 7275 Collins Ave. No quarterfinal watch parties have been announced for the venue.
- Tuesday, July 14 — Doors open at 3 p.m. for the semifinal match
- Wednesday, July 15 — Doors open at 3 p.m. for the semifinal match
- Saturday, July 18 — Doors open at 3 p.m. at The Sandbowl (behind The Bandshell, 7275 Collins Ave.) for the 5 p.m. bronze final
- Sunday, July 19 — Doors open at 1 p.m. at The Sandbowl for the 3 p.m. World Cup final
The third-place match on Saturday, July 18, will be played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.


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