Belgium booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States in their Round of 16 clash on Tuesday.
Charles De Ketelaere starred for Belgium with a brilliant brace as the European side outclassed the Americans to set up a quarter-final showdown against Spain. The defeat ended the United States’ World Cup campaign, following the earlier exits of fellow co-hosts Canada and Mexico.
Belgium made a dream start to the match, taking the lead in the ninth minute when De Ketelaere calmly finished from close range after Nicolas Raskin’s cross split the American defence.
The United States responded in the 30th minute as Malik Tillman scored from a free-kick that took a slight deflection before finding the net, bringing the home fans back into the contest.
However, Belgium restored their advantage just three minutes later. De Ketelaere rose highest to meet Leandro Trossard’s cross, heading home his second goal of the match to give his side a 2-1 lead before half-time.
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The Americans pushed for an equaliser after the break but suffered a major setback in the 57th minute. Goalkeeper Matt Freese hesitated while attempting to clear the ball, allowing De Ketelaere to set up Hans Vanaken, who fired into an empty net to make it 3-1.
The United States’ hopes faded further when captain Christian Pulisic was forced off with an injury midway through the second half.
Belgium sealed the victory in stoppage time after a defensive mistake by Chris Richards gifted possession to Romelu Lukaku, who calmly scored the fourth goal to complete a convincing 4-1 triumph.
The match also attracted attention before kick-off following the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun’s eligibility. The striker started for the United States after FIFA overturned his one-match suspension, a decision that sparked widespread debate among football fans and pundits.
Belgium will now face Spain in the World Cup quarter-finals as they continue their pursuit of the 2026 FIFA World Cup title, while the United States bow out in the Round of 16.
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