Belgium ended the United States’ FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory in the Round of 16 at Seattle Stadium, booking their place in the quarter-finals against Spain.
Charles De Ketelaere was the star of the night, scoring twice in the first half before Hans Vanaken and substitute Romelu Lukaku completed the rout for the Red Devils.
The result saw USA become the final co-host nation to exit the tournament after Canada and Mexico were also eliminated in the Round of 16.
Belgium took control early and were rewarded in the ninth minute when De Ketelaere tapped home after Leandro Trossard’s dangerous delivery caused problems in the American defence.
The Red Devils continued to create chances, with Timothy Castagne forcing goalkeeper Matt Freese into a difficult save while Youri Tielemans narrowly missed converting Dodi Lukebakio’s cross.
However, USA responded against the run of play in the 31st minute when Malik Tillman’s free-kick took a deflection and wrong-footed Thibaut Courtois to level the match.
Their comeback lasted only 116 seconds.
Trossard again provided the decisive moment, sending a cross from the left that allowed De Ketelaere to head home his second goal of the evening and restore Belgium’s advantage.
Belgium extended their lead shortly before the hour mark following a defensive mistake from USA. Freese rushed out of his area but failed to clear the ball, allowing De Ketelaere to win possession before Vanaken’s long-range effort found the empty net despite Tim Ream’s attempt to block.
USA pushed for a way back into the contest in the closing stages, with substitute Sebastian Berhalter shooting wide while Courtois denied Folarin Balogun twice.
Lukaku then sealed Belgium’s progression deep into stoppage time, scoring after a superb solo run to complete a dominant performance.
The victory sets up a quarter-final clash with Spain at Los Angeles Stadium on 10 July, after Spain eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
The match also marked another milestone for Lukaku, who scored in three consecutive World Cup matches for the first time in his career.
De Ketelaere was named the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match after his decisive two-goal contribution.
