Belgium defeats USA 4-1 to reach World Cup quarter-finals
The United States men's football team exited the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the round of 16 after a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in Seattle on Monday. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice, while substitutes Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku added goals to secure Belgium's place in the quarter-finals against Spain.
The match was preceded by controversy over the suspension of U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, who had been sent off in the previous match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA initially imposed a one-match ban, but after an intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump, the ban was suspended, allowing Balogun to play. The decision drew criticism from Belgium and other observers, but FIFA stated it followed standard procedures.
On the field, Belgium took an early lead in the ninth minute. A run by Dodi Lukebakio created a chance for Youri Tielemans, who missed, but the ball was recycled by Nicolas Raskin, whose cross was tapped in by De Ketelaere after the U.S. failed to clear. The U.S. equalised in the 31st minute when Malik Tillman's free kick deflected off Hans Vanaken's head and wrong-footed goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. However, Belgium regained the lead a minute later when Leandro Trossard's cross found De Ketelaere, who outmuscled Tim Ream to head home.
After halftime, the U.S. showed more composure until a costly error by goalkeeper Matt Freese in the 57th minute. Freese delayed too long on the ball outside his area, allowing Vanaken to dispossess him and score into an empty net. The goal shifted momentum definitively in Belgium's favour. In added time, Romelu Lukaku added a fourth goal with a calm finish, his seventh career World Cup goal and 93rd for Belgium.
The U.S. struggled to cope with Belgium's intensity throughout the match. Balogun, despite being allowed to play, had little impact and was largely kept quiet by the Belgian defence. The U.S. had a chance to level after the hydration break but conceded immediately after.
Belgium will now face Spain in Los Angeles on Friday, seeking to reach the semi-finals for the third time in four World Cups.
