TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating hosts the United States of America (USA) 4-1 in their Round of 16 clash at Lumen Field in Seattle on Monday, July 6. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice as the Red Devils ended the Americans' World Cup campaign and set up a quarterfinal meeting with Spain.
The match was overshadowed by controversy surrounding USA striker Folarin Balogun, who started despite receiving a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the previous round. FIFA's decision to suspend his automatic one-match ban after an appeal from the US Soccer Federation sparked protests from the Belgian Football Association and criticism from football fans and pundits.
According to CNA, the decision drew further attention after US President Donald Trump publicly claimed he had intervened in the case, while Belgium ultimately responded on the pitch with a dominant performance.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia surprised many by leaving Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Jérémy Doku on the bench, instead handing Charles De Ketelaere a starting role alongside Leandro Trossard and Dodi Lukebakio. The tactical gamble paid off almost immediately.
The Red Devils threatened inside the opening minutes before taking the lead in the ninth minute. Nicolas Raskin reacted quickest to a loose ball and delivered a cross that evaded the United States defense, allowing De Ketelaere to tap home from close range.
Belgium continued to control the match despite suffering an early setback when midfielder Amadou Onana was forced off with a knee injury and replaced by Hans Vanaken.
The USA equalized in the 31st minute after Balogun won a free kick just outside the penalty area. Malik Tillman's effort deflected off the Belgian defensive wall, leaving goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois helpless as the home crowd erupted.
Belgium restored their advantage almost immediately. Two minutes later, Trossard delivered a precise cross that De Ketelaere headed past Matt Freese after escaping Tim Ream's marking to make it 2-1 before halftime.
As reported by Goal.com, Mauricio Pochettino adjusted his formation after the break in an attempt to increase the United States' attacking threat, but Belgium remained dangerous on the counterattack while largely containing the hosts' offense.
The decisive moment arrived in the 57th minute following a costly mistake by goalkeeper Matt Freese. After collecting a long ball, Freese hesitated while attempting to play out from the back. Hans Vanaken capitalized on the error, dispossessing the goalkeeper before calmly scoring into an empty net to extend Belgium's lead to 3-1.
The USA's hopes suffered another blow shortly afterward when captain Christian Pulisic limped off with an injury. Sebastian Berhalter and Folarin Balogun both threatened late in the match, but Courtois and Belgium's defense held firm.
Belgium sealed the victory in stoppage time after another American defensive error. Chris Richards misplaced a pass near his own penalty area, allowing Vanaken to quickly feed substitute Romelu Lukaku, who finished confidently to complete the 4-1 victory.
The result sends Belgium into the quarterfinals, where they will face Spain after La Roja edged Portugal 1-0. Meanwhile, the United States exited the tournament in the Round of 16, joining fellow co-hosts Canada and Mexico, while Belgium kept alive their hopes of winning a first FIFA World Cup title.
Read: USA vs Belgium World Cup Lineups: Folarin Balogun Starts, De Bruyne on the Bench
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