Belgium advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals with a 4-1 victory over host nation United States in Seattle on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
The win sets up a quarterfinal match against Spain, scheduled for Friday, July 10, in Los Angeles.
>>> Canada Concludes CoHosting Duties as World Cup Matches End in Toronto
Match Highlights
Belgian coach Rudi Garcia surprised by benching stars Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku, and Romelu Lukaku at kickoff.
Belgium opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Charles De Ketelaere capitalized on a cross from Nicolas Raskin.
The United States temporarily equalized through a Malik Tillman free kick that deflected off substitute Hans Vanaken.
Belgium responded two minutes later as De Ketelaere headed in his second goal from a Leandro Trossard assist.
>>> Belgium to Face Spain in World Cup Quarterfinals After 4-1 Win Over USA
US forward Folarin Balogun missed a chance to equalize before halftime, sending a close-range shot over the crossbar.
In the second half, a clearance error by American goalkeeper Matt Freese allowed Vanaken to score from long distance into an empty net.
Despite late offensive attempts from Sebastian Berhalter and Ricardo Pepi, Belgium maintained control.
Substitute Romelu Lukaku sealed the victory with a final goal during stoppage time.
>>> Trump Shares Video of Muslim Kindergarteners, Drawing Backlash
According to reports from NOS and VI, the Belgian football association had previously protested FIFA's decision to clear Balogun for play.
