Belgium End USA’s World Cup Dream With Clinical Win; Sets Up Quarter-Final Clash Against Spain

Belgium advanced to the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals after producing an impressive 4-1 win over tournament co-hosts USA at Seattle Stadium.

Charles De Ketelaere led the charge with two first-half goals, while Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku also got on the scoresheet to complete a comprehensive victory.

The defeat brought the United States’ World Cup campaign to an end, making them the final co-host nation to be eliminated after Canada and Mexico had already exited the competition.

Belgium, meanwhile, continued their remarkable run under head coach Rudi Garcia, stretching their unbeaten streak to 18 matches across all competitions.

Belgium made a confident start and nearly opened the scoring when Timothy Castagne’s long-range effort forced Matt Freese into an excellent save.

The breakthrough eventually arrived through Charles De Ketelaere, who finished from close range after Leandro Trossard’s cross created panic in the American defence and Nicolas Raskin provided the final pass.

The hosts briefly levelled the match when Malik Tillman’s deflected free-kick wrong-footed Thibaut Courtois.

The Red Devils moved further ahead before the hour mark after a costly mistake by goalkeeper Matt Freese, whose failed clearance gifted possession to Belgium.

De Ketelaere seized the opportunity before Hans Vanaken calmly struck into the empty net from long range.

Although the United States searched for a route back into the contest, Thibaut Courtois produced two excellent saves to deny Folarin Balogun.

Any hopes of a late comeback disappeared in stoppage time when Romelu Lukaku reacted quickest to a loose clearance and fired home Belgium’s fourth goal, sealing an emphatic victory and setting up a quarter-final showdown with Spain on 11 July at Los Angeles Stadium.

Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo Draws The Curtain On His World Cup Career Following Portugal’s Last-16 Exit