Charles De Ketelaere scored twice as Belgium produced a commanding display to beat the USA 4-1 and book their place in the quarter finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The defeat also confirmed the exit of the tournament’s final remaining co-host, with the USA following Mexico and Canada out of the competition.
Belgium dominated for long spells in Seattle, while the USA struggled to match their intensity. Mauricio Pochettino’s side rarely threatened despite the return of star striker Folarin Balogun, whose controversial suspension was lifted just 24 hours before kick off.
The build up to the match had been overshadowed by FIFA’s decision to suspend Balogun’s automatic one match ban for 12 months after his straight red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the previous round. United States President Donald Trump later confirmed he had asked FIFA to review the suspension, saying enforcing the ban would have left a “big stain” on the tournament.
Despite all the attention surrounding his availability, Balogun found little space against Belgium’s organised defence and spent most of the night isolated up front.
Belgium made their bright start count in the ninth minute. Nicolas Raskin burst into the area before sliding a dangerous pass across goal, where De Ketelaere arrived unmarked to tap home the opening goal.
The hosts responded midway through the first half. In the 31st minute, Malik Tillman’s free kick took a wicked deflection off Hans Vanaken, wrong footing Thibaut Courtois and bringing the United States level.
Belgium restored their advantage almost immediately. Just two minutes later, Leandro Trossard delivered an inviting cross into the box and De Ketelaere rose highest to power a header beyond Matt Freese for his second goal of the evening.
The visitors tightened their grip after the break thanks to a costly defensive mistake. Freese hesitated while trying to play out from the back, allowing De Ketelaere to close him down and win possession. The loose ball rolled kindly to Vanaken, who calmly side footed his finish into the bottom corner from outside the penalty area to make it 3-1.
Romelu Lukaku completed the victory deep into stoppage time. The substitute collected the ball inside the penalty area before drilling a low finish into the far corner from a tight angle to seal a comprehensive 4-1 win.
The goal also secured Lukaku a place in the record books. He became the first substitute ever to score three goals in a single FIFA World Cup tournament.
Belgium will now face Spain in Friday’s quarter final in Los Angeles after the European champions edged Portugal 1-0 thanks to Mikel Merino’s late winner.
For the United States, it was a hugely disappointing end to a tournament that had promised so much. With Mexico already eliminated by England and Canada knocked out by Morocco, the USA had carried the hopes of the co-host nations into the knockout stage. Instead, they produced one of their least convincing performances of the competition.
Pochettino’s team had hoped to reach their first World Cup quarter final since 2002, but they struggled to create meaningful opportunities throughout the contest. Balogun’s only clear chance arrived in the closing stages when Courtois reacted sharply to deny him from a tight angle.
The defeat also continued an unwanted trend for the Americans, who have now exited at the round of 16 stage in four of their last five World Cup appearances.
Belgium manager Rudi Garcia once again showed faith in De Ketelaere ahead of the country’s all time leading scorer Lukaku. It marked the fourth time during this tournament that the Atalanta forward started ahead of the experienced striker, and the decision paid off handsomely as De Ketelaere scored his first two goals of the World Cup with two intelligent finishes.
Garcia also made the bold decision to leave Kevin De Bruyne on the bench, ending the veteran midfielder’s run of 37 consecutive starts for Belgium.
Belgium’s latest victory means they have now reached at least the World Cup quarter finals in three of their last four appearances and will head into their showdown with Spain full of confidence after one of their most complete performances of the tournament.
