Belgium Crush Co-Hosts USA 4-1, Advance to World Cup Quarter-finals
Belgium delivered a clinical performance to eliminate co-hosts the United States (US) from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, cruising to a convincing 4-1 victory on Tuesday to book a place in the quarter-finals against Spain.
Global Mirror News gathered that the Round of 16 encounter, played before a packed crowd of over 67,000 fans in Seattle, saw Charles De Ketelaere score twice in a dominant Belgian display that ended the Americans’ hopes of reaching their first World Cup quarter-final since 2002.
The victory also completed the early exit of all three co-host Nations, following the eliminations of Canada and Mexico from the tournament.
The match was overshadowed by controversy before kick-off after FIFA reversed the one-match suspension handed to United States striker Folarin Balogun, who had been sent off in the previous round against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Governing Body’s decision reportedly came after US President Donald Trump appealed for a review, sparking criticism from football supporters, pundits and former players who questioned the fairness of the intervention.
Despite the pre-match controversy, Belgium quickly took control of proceedings.
Head coach Rudi Garcia sprang a surprise by leaving experienced stars Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku on the bench, but the tactical gamble paid off almost immediately.
Belgium broke the deadlock in the ninth minute when Nicolas Raskin’s cross split the American defence, allowing De Ketelaere to calmly tap home from close range.
The goal stunned the home crowd and marked the first time the United States had conceded the opening goal in the tournament.
The Americans struggled to respond as Belgium dominated possession, controlled the midfield and repeatedly threatened the hosts’ shaky defence.
The home side eventually found an equaliser in the 30th minute after Balogun won a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area.
Malik Tillman, who had scored a similar effort against Bosnia and Herzegovina, stepped up and watched his strike take a deflection before finding the back of the net to make it 1-1, sending the Seattle crowd into celebration.
However, the joy lasted only three minutes.
Belgium restored their lead in the 33rd minute when Leandro Trossard delivered an inviting cross that De Ketelaere met with a powerful header, beating defender Tim Ream to score his second goal of the evening.
The United States ended the first half with renewed attacking intent as Balogun squandered two promising opportunities, but Belgium maintained their advantage heading into the break.
Seeking a comeback, US coach Mauricio Pochettino reshuffled his side after halftime by introducing Gio Reyna into a central attacking role while moving Weston McKennie to the right flank.
The tactical switch initially brought more energy, but disaster struck in the 57th minute.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese collected a long Belgian ball but hesitated while trying to play out from the back under pressure from De Ketelaere.
The Belgian forward dispossessed him before squaring the ball to Hans Vanaken, who calmly fired into an empty net to extend Belgium’s lead to 3-1.
The Americans suffered another setback moments later when captain Christian Pulisic limped off with an injury, significantly reducing their attacking threat.
Substitute Sebastian Berhalter came close with a long-range effort that narrowly missed the target, while Balogun also forced a fine save from close range as the hosts desperately searched for a route back into the contest.
Any remaining hopes of a comeback were extinguished in stoppage time after defender Chris Richards surrendered possession to veteran striker Romelu Lukaku, who calmly slotted home Belgium’s fourth goal to complete a comprehensive victory.
Belgium will now face Spain in the quarter-finals as they continue their quest for World Cup glory, while the United States exit the tournament after an underwhelming Round of 16 performance despite the passionate backing of their home supporters.
