Belgium advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals after a dominant 4-1 victory over the United States in a round of 16 match in Seattle on July 6, 2026.
Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the ninth minute after intercepting a pass from Nicolas Raskin.
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The United States equalized in the 30th minute when Malik Tillman's free kick deflected off Hans Vanaken into the net.
Belgium quickly regained the lead four minutes later as De Ketelaere headed in a cross from Leandro Trossard.
Vanaken then scored in the 55th minute, capitalizing on a mistake by American goalkeeper Brandon Freese.
Substitute Romelu Lukaku sealed the victory in the 93rd minute with a powerful strike inside the penalty area after defensive errors by the host nation.
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Controversy Over Balogun's Participation
The match was preceded by controversy regarding American forward Folarin Balogun. FIFA overturned his suspension following a phone call from Donald Trump, raising legal questions among experts.
"This is a point that deserves more attention," said Dolf Segaar, a sports law attorney, to NOS.
"Suppose Balogun plays, the US wins against Belgium and an appeals committee later says the player was not eligible.
Then the result becomes uncertain."
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Tim Wilms, another sports law attorney, noted that FIFA's eligibility declaration allows the US to field him without immediate sanctions.
