US limp out of World Cup as Belgium reach quarter-finals

Belgium produced an impressive display to defeat co-hosts the United States 4-1 and secure a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice in a dominant performance.

The victory also marked the end of the United States' World Cup campaign, making them the third and final host nation to exit the tournament following the earlier eliminations of Canada and Mexico.

Belgium will now face reigning European champions Spain in a highly anticipated quarter-final clash after Spain edged Portugal 1-0 to book their place in the last eight.

The Red Devils wasted little time asserting their authority in Seattle and opened the scoring in the ninth minute.

A well-worked attacking move saw Nicolas Raskin deliver a precise pass across the face of goal for Charles De Ketelaere, who arrived unmarked to tap home from close range.

Belgium controlled possession throughout the opening stages, limiting the United States to sporadic attacking opportunities while dictating the tempo of the contest.

Despite struggling to impose themselves, the hosts found a route back into the game in the 31st minute.

A dangerous free-kick from Malik Tillman took a significant deflection off Belgian midfielder Hans Vanaken, wrong-footing the goalkeeper before finding the back of the net.

The equaliser briefly lifted the home crowd and appeared to give Mauricio Pochettino's side renewed belief.

However, Belgium restored their advantage just two minutes later.

Leandro Trossard delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area where De Ketelaere rose highest to head home his second goal of the evening, giving Belgium a deserved 2-1 lead before half-time.

The second half continued in similar fashion, with Belgium maintaining control while the United States struggled to create clear-cut opportunities.

The decisive third goal arrived after a costly mistake by American goalkeeper Matt Freese, who hesitated while attempting to play out from the back.

De Ketelaere closed him down aggressively before the loose ball fell kindly to Hans Vanaken, who calmly guided his finish into the net from outside the penalty area.

Belgium's relentless pressure exposed defensive weaknesses in the American side, leaving the hosts chasing the game.

Substitute Romelu Lukaku completed Belgium's emphatic victory deep into stoppage time.

The veteran striker received the ball inside the penalty area before calmly firing a low shot into the far corner from a tight angle to make it 4-1.

The goal saw Lukaku set a new FIFA World Cup record by becoming the first substitute to score three goals in a single World Cup tournament.

Much of the pre-match attention centred on United States striker Folarin Balogun, whose participation had generated widespread debate.

Balogun was initially expected to miss the match after receiving a straight red card in the previous round.

However, FIFA suspended the automatic one-match suspension for 12 months, making him eligible for selection.

The decision followed public comments from Donald Trump, who had urged FIFA to review the striker's suspension, arguing that his absence would have been detrimental to the tournament.

Despite returning to the starting line-up, Balogun found himself isolated against Belgium's organised defence.

His best opportunity came in the closing stages, but goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois produced an excellent save to deny the tournament's leading American scorer.

Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia once again placed his faith in Charles De Ketelaere ahead of the more experienced Romelu Lukaku in the starting eleven.

The decision proved inspired as the 25-year-old Atalanta forward delivered his finest performance of the tournament with two well-taken goals and an energetic display throughout the match.

Garcia also surprised many by leaving experienced midfielder Kevin De Bruyne on the bench despite the veteran having started Belgium's previous 37 international matches.

The tactical changes highlighted Belgium's successful transition towards a younger generation of players while maintaining the quality and depth that have made them one of Europe's strongest footballing nations.

For the United States, the defeat ends hopes of reaching the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002.

The Americans have now been eliminated in the Round of 16 in four of their last five World Cup appearances.

Belgium, meanwhile, continues its impressive tournament campaign and will now face Spain in what promises to be one of the standout quarter-final matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With De Ketelaere in outstanding form, Lukaku providing experience from the bench and Courtois commanding the defence, Belgium will head into the last eight full of confidence as they continue their pursuit of a second World Cup semi-final appearance in recent history.