Belgium delivered a commanding performance to defeat the United States 4-1 on Monday, sealing a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an impressive display at Lumen Field in Seattle.
Charles De Ketelaere inspired the Red Devils with two first-half goals, while Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku added strikes after the break to complete a convincing victory.
The United States, aiming to reach only the second World Cup quarter-final in their history, struggled to match Belgium’s intensity despite the return of striker Folarin Balogun from suspension.
Belgium made a bright start and opened the scoring in the ninth minute when De Ketelaere converted from close range after Nicolas Raskin’s headed pass found him unmarked inside the penalty area.
The Americans briefly drew level through Malik Tillman, whose free-kick took a deflection on its way into the net. However, their joy was short-lived as Belgium restored their lead less than a minute later. De Ketelaere headed home his second of the match after meeting an inviting cross from Leandro Trossard.
Belgium continued to dominate after the restart and extended their advantage in the 58th minute following a costly error by United States goalkeeper Matt Freese. His attempted clearance fell kindly to Vanaken, who calmly chipped the ball into the unguarded net from distance.
Romelu Lukaku wrapped up the scoring deep into stoppage time, firing home from close range after another defensive mistake by the Americans.
The defeat marked the fourth time in the last five World Cups that the United States have been eliminated in the Round of 16. Their only exception came in 2018, when they failed to qualify for the tournament.
To compound the Americans’ disappointment, captain Christian Pulisic was forced off with a right foot injury in the 59th minute after appearing to twist his ankle while attempting a shot.
Reacting after the match, United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino admitted his side failed to reproduce the form they had shown earlier in the competition.
“We were not the same team that during the tournament showed the quality. It was a very bad day. In a World Cup, when that happens, you don’t get another chance,” Pochettino said.
Midfielder Tyler Adams also acknowledged Belgium’s superiority.
“We gave them good chances and they finished them. It was too easy for them today. We had an opportunity to do something special, but we fell short,” Adams said.
Belgium will now turn their attention to the quarter-finals as they continue their quest for World Cup glory, while the United States exit the tournament following another Round of 16 disappointment.
