Belgium produced a commanding performance to defeat co-hosts the United States 4-1 and secure a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending the Americans’ hopes of a memorable run on home soil.
The Red Devils took control of the Round of 16 encounter from the opening whistle, with Charles De Ketelaere emerging as the star of the night. The Belgian forward scored twice and provided an assist in a clinical display that left the United States struggling to contain Belgium’s attacking quality.
The United States briefly restored hope when Malik Tillman leveled the score with a superb free-kick, but Belgium responded almost immediately to regain the lead. The Europeans continued to dominate possession and punished a series of defensive lapses before Romelu Lukaku added a stoppage-time goal to complete an emphatic victory.
Despite impressive performances earlier in the tournament, the defeat brought the United States’ World Cup campaign to an abrupt end. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino admitted after the match that his side failed to perform at the level required against one of Europe’s strongest teams.
Belgium’s victory extends their impressive record against the United States in World Cup competition and sends them into a blockbuster quarter-final clash against Spain, who booked their place in the last eight after edging Portugal 1-0.
With confidence growing and several key players hitting top form, Belgium will now look to continue their quest for a first-ever FIFA World Cup title when they face the Spanish side in one of the tournament’s most highly anticipated quarter-final encounters.
