World Cup 2026: Belgium Rout United States To Book Quarter-Final Clash With Spain
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
Belgium booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States in their Round of 16 encounter on Monday in Seattle.
A brilliant performance from Charles De Ketelaere inspired the Red Devils to victory, with the forward scoring twice before providing an assist as Belgium comfortably ended the Americans’ World Cup campaign.
The defeat also meant all three tournament co-hosts were eliminated before the quarter-final stage.
Belgium made an aggressive start and wasted little time asserting their dominance.
In the ninth minute, Nicolas Raskin delivered a dangerous low cross into the penalty area, where Charles De Ketelaere arrived perfectly to slot home and hand the Red Devils an early lead.
The United States struggled to cope with Belgium’s attacking intensity but found a route back into the contest midway through the first half.
In the 31st minute, Malik Tillman’s free-kick took a fortunate deflection before wrong-footing the goalkeeper and finding the back of the net to level the scores, lifting the home supporters.
Belgium, however, responded almost immediately.
Just minutes later, Leandro Trossard floated an inviting cross into the box, and De Ketelaere rose highest to power a header past Matt Freese, restoring Belgium’s advantage before halftime and silencing the American crowd.
The hosts returned with greater urgency after the break and enjoyed a bright spell in search of another equaliser.
However, their hopes were dealt a major blow in the 58th minute following a costly defensive mistake.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese ventured well outside his penalty area in an attempt to clear a long ball but was dispossessed by the alert De Ketelaere. The Belgian forward quickly squared the ball to Hans Vanaken, whose effort beat Tim Ream on the line before rolling into the empty net to make it 3-1.
Belgium continued to control proceedings for the remainder of the contest and added further gloss to the scoreline in the closing stages.
Romelu Lukaku completed the rout with a late goal, putting the result beyond any doubt and capping an outstanding display from the Red Devils.
The victory sends Belgium into a mouthwatering quarter-final showdown against Spain, setting up one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament.
For the United States, the defeat brings an end to their home World Cup campaign, while Belgium continue their pursuit of global glory with growing confidence.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
