Belgium booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals with a commanding 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States, ending the Americans’ campaign in the Round of 16.
Charles De Ketelaere starred for Belgium with a brilliant brace, while Hans Vanaken and substitute Romelu Lukaku also found the net in a dominant display at Seattle Stadium.
Belgium made a dream start by taking the lead in the ninth minute when Nicolas Raskin delivered a precise pass across goal for De Ketelaere to tap home. The United States equalized in the 31st minute after Malik Tillman’s free-kick deflected off Vanaken and wrong-footed the Belgian defense.
The parity lasted only two minutes as De Ketelaere restored Belgium’s lead, heading in Leandro Trossard’s cross to give the Europeans a 2-1 advantage before halftime.
Belgium continued to control proceedings after the break and extended their lead in the 57th minute. De Ketelaere pressured goalkeeper Matt Freese into a mistake, allowing Vanaken to score from outside the penalty area.
Substitute Romelu Lukaku sealed the emphatic victory in stoppage time with a composed finish into the far corner, becoming the first substitute in World Cup history to score three goals in a single tournament.
The United States struggled to create clear-cut opportunities despite the return of striker Folarin Balogun, whose suspension from the previous match was temporarily lifted by FIFA before the game. Balogun, who entered the match with three tournament goals, was kept quiet by Belgium’s defense, with his best effort denied by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois late in the contest.
The defeat means the United States become the third and final World Cup co-host to exit the tournament after Canada and Mexico were eliminated earlier in the knockout stage. It also marks the fourth time in the last five World Cups that the Americans have been knocked out in the Round of 16.
Belgium, meanwhile, continued their impressive World Cup run under head coach Rudi Garcia. De Ketelaere justified his place in the starting lineup with a standout performance, while Garcia’s decision to leave veteran Kevin De Bruyne on the bench highlighted Belgium’s growing confidence in their younger generation.
With the victory, Belgium advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face Spain in a highly anticipated clash in Los Angeles after the European champions edged Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16.
