World Cup 2026 | United States 1 - 4 Belgium
Belgium sweep aside the United States
Charles De Ketelaere scored twice as Belgium eased past the United States to ensure the tournament's third and final co-host exited the World Cup.
Author | Peter Grainger
Stadium | Seattle Stadium
It was a subdued display from the US, who included striker Folarin Balogun in their starting line-up after President Donald Trump asked Fifa to review his suspension following the red card he received in the previous round.
Fifa responded by suspending the automatic one-match ban for 12 months, but the tournament's joint-leading scorer, with three goals, was largely isolated as Belgium controlled proceedings.
Belgium took the lead after just nine minutes when Nicolas Raskin's pass across the face of goal was turned in by De Ketelaere.
The co-hosts drew level in the 31st minute as Malik Tillman's free-kick took a wicked deflection off Hans Vanaken and wrong-footed the goalkeeper.
Belgium restored their advantage just two minutes later when De Ketelaere rose to head home Leandro Trossard's inviting cross.
The second half brought a gift for Belgium's third goal as De Ketelaere dispossessed the hesitant Matt Freese before Vanaken calmly side-footed into the bottom corner from outside the penalty area.
Substitute Romelu Lukaku completed the scoring in stoppage time, drilling a low finish into the far corner from a tight angle.
Belgium will now face Spain in the quarter-finals in Los Angeles on Friday (20:00 BST) after the European champions edged past Portugal 1-0 on Monday.
Overturn this! 😎
— Belgian Red Devils (@belreddevils.bsky.social) 7 July 2026 at 03:49
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