Fans gathered in Gainesville react to U.S. exit from World Cup

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - The United States men’s national soccer team’s run in the World Cup ended in the Round of 16 against Belgium, ending what had been a tournament marked by a group stage win for the first time since 2010.

Tillman scores; Belgium answers

A highlight of the match was a free kick goal by Malik Tillman — his second of the tournament — which deflected off a Belgian defender before entering the net. The goal drew a strong reaction from fans at a watch party at The Swamp Restaurant in Gainesville, where attendees jumped up and chanted “USA.”

The momentum shifted when defending in the back allowed Charles De Ketelaere to score his second goal of the first half, ending the United States’ lead.

FIFA reverses Balogun suspension

A notable development surrounding the match was a decision by FIFA leadership to suspend the suspension of United States striker Flo Balogun, following calls by President Trump to review the decision. Balogun received the start and drew the foul that led to Tillman’s free kick goal.

“I think we still would win regardless — we got captain America, but Balogun is really that guy, he just keeps scoring, he does the LeBron celly — it’s coming to USA, that’s all I gotta say,” said William Proctor, a soccer fan at the watch party.

U.S. looks ahead to 2030

The United States exits the tournament having secured a group stage win for the first time since 2010.

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