Belgium produced one of their best performances of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to defeat co-hosts the United States 4-1 in Seattle, sealing a place in the quarter-finals where they will face Spain, Boldsports report.
The Red Devils dominated the Round of 16 contest from the opening whistle. Charles De Ketelaere struck twice in the first half before Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku completed an emphatic victory. Malik Tillman briefly gave the home fans hope with an equaliser, but Belgium quickly restored control and never looked back.
De Ketelaere entered the knockout match in impressive form and delivered when Belgium needed him most. The attacking midfielder added two more World Cup goals to his tally, while also playing a key role in Belgium’s attacking play throughout the night. His latest display reinforced his importance as Belgium advanced to the last eight.
Belgium made a fast start and took the lead after just nine minutes when De Ketelaere capitalised on defensive hesitation to score from close range.
The United States responded in the 31st minute. Tillman’s free-kick took a significant deflection, wrong-footing Thibaut Courtois before finding the net.
However, Belgium restored their advantage only two minutes later as De Ketelaere completed his brace to send Domenico Tedesco’s side into half-time with a 2-1 lead.
The second half proved even more difficult for Mauricio Pochettino’s team.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese made a costly error while attempting to play out from the back, allowing Hans Vanaken to score into an empty net and extend Belgium’s advantage.
The Americans struggled to create meaningful chances after the interval. Their next effort on target did not arrive until the closing stages, highlighting Belgium’s defensive control throughout the contest.
Romelu Lukaku then added a fourth goal in stoppage time with a composed finish to complete a commanding victory and end the United States’ hopes of a home World Cup run.
Belgium’s victory also confirmed the elimination of the final co-host nation after Canada and Mexico had already exited the tournament in the Round of 16.
The Red Devils will now meet Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals, with a place in the last four at stake. The United States, meanwhile, bow out after an encouraging tournament that ultimately ended against a clinical Belgian side.
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