Belgium booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an emphatic 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States, ending the Americans’ campaign in the Round of 16.
Charles De Ketelaere starred with a brace as Belgium produced a dominant display to set up a quarter-final clash against Spain. The defeat also means all three tournament co-hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico — have now been eliminated.
The match was overshadowed by controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun’s inclusion in the United States starting lineup. Balogun had initially been suspended after receiving a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA overturned the one-match ban following a review, allowing him to feature against Belgium.
De Ketelaere gives Belgium early control
Belgium manager Rudi Garcia surprised many by leaving experienced stars Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku on the bench. However, the decision paid off as De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the ninth minute.
The forward finished from close range after Nicolas Raskin’s cross exposed gaps in the American defense, silencing the home supporters.
The goal marked the first time the United States had conceded the opening goal at the 2026 World Cup.
USA respond before Belgium pull away
The hosts found a way back into the contest midway through the first half when Balogun won a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area.
Malik Tillman stepped up and produced another superb set-piece to level the score, lifting the spirits of the home crowd.
Belgium, however, responded almost immediately. De Ketelaere struck again to restore his side’s advantage before the break and put the Europeans back in control.
Belgium seal comfortable victory
The United States struggled to recover in the second half as Belgium tightened their grip on the match.
A costly mistake by goalkeeper Matt Freese gifted Belgium another goal, leaving the hosts with a mountain to climb.
Romelu Lukaku then added a late fourth goal to complete a convincing 4-1 victory and confirm Belgium’s place in the last eight.
Belgium will now face Spain in a highly anticipated quarter-final, while the United States bow out after failing to build on their encouraging group-stage performances. The result also confirms that none of the three World Cup co-hosts will feature in the quarter-finals.
