Belgium produced a brutal display to beat rivals United States 4-1 at the Seattle Stadium, securing their place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and bringing the American campaign to an abrupt end. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice in the opening half before Hans Vanaken capitalized on a costly save and Romelu Lukaku added another in the final minute. Although Mauricio Pochettino’s team had a long period, the Belgian’s clinical finishing and ability to punish mistakes was confirmed when they went to the quarter-final meeting with Spain at the Los Angeles Stadium on July 10.
Belgium took control and scored twice in the first half
Much of the news focused on FIFA’s controversial decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s one-time ban following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, allowing the striker to start after the governing body invoked Article 27 of its Penal Code. Once the game started, however, Belgium completely changed the scene on the pitch.Rudi Garcia’s side settled down immediately and came close to scoring when the Belgian’s corner was narrowly headed by Timothy Castagne on the edge of the penalty area. The full-back made a great effort through a crowded box, forcing Matt Freese into a good diving position that gave an early warning of trouble to come.Belgium continued to dominate the primary exchange. Their aggressive displays repeatedly disrupted the American build-up, and another dangerous move saw Dodi Lukebakio explode before cutting the ball to Youri Tielemans. When he got into the air inside the area, Tielemans pulled his effort short, wasting another promising opportunity.The breakthrough came in the ninth minute. Leandro Trossard grabbed space on the left before delivering a ridiculous cross that the United States defense couldn’t quite deal with. After a loose ball hit dangerously in the area, Nicolas Raskin was quick to react, picking up the ball before curling a pass into the six-yard box. Charles De Ketelaere timed his move perfectly and slotted home from close range to give Belgium a deserved 1-0 lead.
Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere (17) scores the opening goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Nick Didlick)
The United States slowly settled down after a difficult opening and had a long possession, eventually finishing the game with 57 percent of the ball and an impressive passing rate of 89 percent compared to Belgium’s 83 percent. However, despite the success, clear chances remained rare against a strong Belgian defence.Their equalizer came in the 31st minute from a lucky but well-taken corner. After Balogun was fouled outside the penalty area, Malik Tillman rose to the free-kick and drove powerfully into the goal. The shot was deflected into the Belgian wall before it went wide of Thibaut Courtois, who mishandled it, leaving the goalkeeper distraught as the ball rolled into the corner to make it 1-1.
United States’ Malik Tillman (17) scores his team’s first goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Maddy Grassy)
Any momentum created by the equalizer disappeared instantly.Belgium responded within two minutes with a move that clearly showed their attacking style. Trossard found space again on the left side and delivered a tempting cross into the penalty area. De Ketelaere was horrified by his marker, timing it well and curling a close-range header past Freese to restore Belgium’s advantage at 2-1. The swift response stunned the Seattle crowd and left Mauricio Pochettino looking frustrated at the line after seeing his side concede immediately following their equaliser.
Charles De Ketelaere (17) of Belgium scores his team’s second goal during the World Cup Round of 16 soccer match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Freese’s mistake ensures that Belgium will punish every mistake
The United States tried to start the second half more quickly, pushing Christian Pulisic and Balogun forward in search of another equaliser. Belgium, however, remained defensive as they continued to threaten at every turn.The match was decided in the 57th minute following a terrible defensive error.The Belgian’s long ball over the top looked harmless, but confusion between the American defense and goalkeeper Matt Freese proved costly. Freese raced outside his penalty area to clear the danger before he hesitated under pressure from De Ketelaere. The loose ball fell mercifully to substitute Hans Vanaken, who immediately recognized the unguarded goal and curled it into the far end of the empty net. Veteran defender Tim Ream raced to the back and started to try to stop the goal, but the ball went wide to give Belgium a 3-1 lead.
Belgium’s Hans Vanaken (20) scores his team’s third goal during the Round of 16 World Cup soccer match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Maddy Grassy)
The comeback was made worse when captain Christian Pulisic was forced to leave after a collision with Tielemans, further reducing the Americans’ late threat.Pochettino’s team continued to search for a way back into the competition despite the setback. Sebastian Berhalter went close with a powerful long-range strike that went wide, while Balogun found space behind the Belgian defense after being released by a superb pass. Moving forward, the striker tried to beat Courtois at his near post, but the Belgian big man stood his ground and produced another crucial possession to deny the hopefuls a late comeback.Belgium’s good shooting remained the difference between the two sides. Although the United States dominated, Belgium made clear openings, finishing with 15 shots, seven on target and five corners compared to six shots for America, only two of which tested Courtois.With the United States advancing in stoppage time, Belgium fired one last shot at the attack. Jérémy Doku ran into an open area before curling a powerful ball into the path of Romelu Lukaku. The experienced striker grabbed the back of the net, stepped into the penalty area and swept confidently past Freese in the third minute of extra time to complete a 4-1 victory.
Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku (9) celebrates after scoring his team’s fourth goal during the World Cup Round of 16 soccer match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Belgium finished the evening without a single booking, while the United States picked up two yellow cards on a disappointing night in Seattle. In the end, the possession numbers were not too late as Belgium showed poor performance in all penalty areas, punishing every mistake by the Americans to end their World Cup campaign.The victory sends the Red Devils to the finals, where they will face Spain in Los Angeles on July 10. For the United States, the hope of reaching the quarter-finals of the World Cup since 2002 is gone, with the end of defense and the lack of opportunity to bring another encouraging competition at home to a disappointing end.
