Belgium produced a commanding display to defeat hosts USA 4-1 at Seattle Stadium and secure a place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026, where they will face Spain in a blockbuster last-eight encounter.
The Red Devils were in complete control for much of the contest, with Charles De Ketelaere emerging as the star of the night after scoring twice. Hans Vanaken added his first-ever FIFA World Cup goal before substitute Romelu Lukaku sealed the emphatic victory with a stoppage-time strike.
The defeat also marked the end of the tournament for the United States, making them the final co-host nation to bow out after Canada and Mexico were eliminated in the Round of 16.
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Belgium signalled their intentions early when Timothy Castagne unleashed a powerful effort from distance that forced goalkeeper Matt Freese into an impressive save. Minutes later, Youri Tielemans came close to breaking the deadlock after narrowly missing Dodi Lukebakio’s inviting cross.
The breakthrough eventually arrived when Leandro Trossard delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area. Nicolas Raskin reacted quickest to square the ball for De Ketelaere, who calmly slotted home from close range.
The Americans responded in the 31st minute through Malik Tillman, whose deflected free-kick wrong-footed Thibaut Courtois to level the scores.
However, Belgium restored their advantage almost immediately. Just under two minutes later, Trossard delivered another pinpoint cross from the left, allowing De Ketelaere to rise above the defence and head home his second goal of the evening.
Belgium effectively put the contest beyond reach shortly before the hour mark after a costly defensive error from the USA. Freese rushed out of his penalty area in an attempt to clear the danger but completely missed the ball. De Ketelaere seized possession before Hans Vanaken fired a long-range effort that evaded Tim Ream’s desperate attempt to block and rolled into the unguarded net.
The United States continued to battle in search of a way back into the game. Substitute Sebastian Berhalter narrowly missed the target, while Folarin Balogun was denied by Courtois with an excellent save.
Belgium had the final word deep into stoppage time when Romelu Lukaku capitalised on a loose clearance inside the penalty area to fire home his side’s fourth goal and complete a memorable night.
The victory sends Belgium into a highly anticipated quarter-final showdown against Spain at Los Angeles Stadium on July 10 after the Spaniards eliminated Portugal in the Round of 16.