Belgium delivered an impressive performance to defeat co-hosts the United States 4-1 on Tuesday, securing a place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face Spain.
Charles De Ketelaere starred with a brace as the Red Devils outclassed Mauricio Pochettino’s side in Seattle, ending the Americans’ bid to reach the last eight for the first time since 2002.
The result also confirmed the exit of all three tournament co-hosts, following Mexico’s defeat to England and Canada’s elimination by Morocco.
Belgium took the lead in the ninth minute when Nicolas Raskin’s low cross found De Ketelaere, who finished from close range.
The United States equalised in the 31st minute after Malik Tillman’s free-kick took a heavy deflection off Hans Vanaken, wrong-footing goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Belgium restored their advantage just two minutes later as De Ketelaere headed home Leandro Trossard’s cross to complete his brace.
The visitors tightened their grip on the match early in the second half when United States goalkeeper Matt Freese hesitated in possession, allowing De Ketelaere to win the ball before Vanaken curled a composed finish into the net.
Substitute Romelu Lukaku completed the scoring in stoppage time, firing home from a tight angle to seal Belgium’s emphatic victory.
Belgium will now face reigning European champions Spain in Friday’s quarterfinal in Los Angeles after the Spaniards edged Portugal 1-0.
The match followed controversy involving United States forward Folarin Balogun, whose automatic one-match suspension was suspended for 12 months by FIFA after he was sent off in the previous round against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The decision drew criticism after United States President Donald Trump disclosed that he had appealed to FIFA to review the punishment, arguing that Balogun’s absence would have negatively affected the tournament.
Despite returning to the starting line-up, Balogun was unable to make a significant impact, with Courtois denying him late in the game.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia’s decision to start De Ketelaere ahead of record scorer Lukaku proved decisive, with the Atalanta forward netting his first two goals of the tournament.
Lukaku also reached a milestone after becoming the first substitute to score three goals in a single FIFA World Cup tournament.
Belgium have now reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the third time in their last four appearances, while the United States suffered a fourth Round of 16 exit in their last five campaigns.
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