How US has fared in World Cup round of 16

Seattle will host one of the biggest matches in United States men’s soccer history on Monday night, when the Americans face Belgium in a round-of-16 World Cup knockout match.

Controversy raging at World Cup ahead of US-Belgium match in Seattle

With a victory, the U.S. would advance to the World Cup quarterfinals for just the second time ever.

The Stars and Stripes are 1-5 all-time in the round of 16, with their lone victory coming in a 2-0 triumph over Mexico in 2002.

The Americans’ deepest World Cup run came in 1930, when they reached the semifinals. But that came in a much different format, with just 13 teams in the tournament and the four group winners advancing straight to the semis.

World Cup bracket

Ahead of Monday night’s showdown, here’s a look back at each of the Americans’ six round-of-16 matches.

2022: lost to Netherlands 3-1

After missing the World Cup in 2018, the U.S. made it out of group stage in 2022 before falling to a Netherlands squad that took eventual champion Argentina to penalty kicks in the ensuing round.

2014: lost to Belgium 2-1 (extra time)

U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard delivered a legendary performance, making a World Cup-record 16 saves. But after the two sides played to a scoreless regulation, Belgium broke through for a 2-0 lead in extra time with goals in the 93rd and 105th minutes.

2010: lost to Ghana 2-1 (extra time)

Landon Donovan converted an equalizing penalty kick in the 62nd minute, but Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan netted the game-winner in the 93rd minute to hand the U.S. a heartbreaking defeat.

2002: beat Mexico 2-0

Brian McBride scored in the eighth minute and the 20-year-old Donovan headed in another goal in the 65th minute to give the U.S. its biggest win in men’s soccer history. The Americans went on to suffer a hard-fought and controversial 1-0 loss to eventual runner-up Germany in the quarterfinals.

1994: lost to Brazil 1-0

Playing on home soil at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, California, the U.S. surrendered a 73rd-minute goal and fell to the eventual world champions, despite having a man advantage for most of the second half.

1934: lost to Italy 7-1

The 1934 World Cup featured just 16 teams and a straight knockout format. The U.S. was handed a brutal draw in Italy, which went on to win the tournament.

Preview: US eyeing landmark World Cup win vs Belgium in Seattle

Related

Seattle Sports Radio Info: How to find Saturday’s Seahawks, Mariners gamesRussell Westbrook, one of the last Sonics draft picks, retires from NBANBA’s Lakers to be sold for record-breaking $12.5 billionTrail Blazers reps meet Portland officials to discuss Moda CenterUEFA members to boycott FIFA over World Cup private investors planLeBron James going to Philadelphia 76ers in his ‘last decision’