By Agency Report
Belgium booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States in their Round of 16 clash.
Charles De Ketelaere was the star of the night, scoring twice as Belgium outclassed the hosts to set up a quarter-final showdown with Spain.
The defeat ended the United States’ hopes of reaching the last eight for the first time since 2002.
The match was overshadowed by controversy surrounding American striker Folarin Balogun, whose one-match suspension following a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina was controversially lifted by FIFA after intervention from US President Donald Trump.
The decision drew criticism from football fans and pundits worldwide.
Belgium took the lead in the ninth minute when De Ketelaere tapped home from close range after Nicolas Raskin’s cross exposed poor American defending.
The hosts responded on the half-hour mark as Malik Tillman curled a free-kick into the net after Balogun won a foul on the edge of the penalty area.
However, Belgium restored their lead just three minutes later when De Ketelaere rose highest to head home Leandro Trossard’s cross for his second goal of the evening.
The Americans started the second half with greater urgency after tactical changes by coach Mauricio Pochettino, but a costly mistake by goalkeeper Matt Freese in the 57th minute effectively ended their comeback hopes.
Freese hesitated while attempting to clear a long Belgian ball, allowing De Ketelaere to dispossess him before Hans Vanaken calmly finished into an empty net.
The situation worsened for the hosts when captain Christian Pulisic limped off injured midway through the second half.
Despite late efforts from Sebastian Berhalter and Balogun, the United States failed to reduce the deficit.
Belgium completed the rout in stoppage time after Chris Richards surrendered possession to veteran striker Romelu Lukaku, who made no mistake in firing home Belgium’s fourth goal.
The emphatic victory sends Belgium into the quarter-finals, where they will face Spain, while the United States join fellow co-hosts Canada and Mexico among the eliminated nations.
Tags: Belgium, USA, FIFA World Cup 2026, Charles De Ketelaere, Romelu Lukaku, Folarin Balogun, Spain, World Cup Quarter-finals.
