Kha Y Tran Belgium produced one of their strongest displays of the FIFA World Cup 2026 by beating the United States 4-1 in the Round of 16. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice, while Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku added one goal each. Malik Tillman found the net for the hosts. However, the Americans could not keep up with Belgium’s pace and quality.
As a result, Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals, where they will face Spain. Meanwhile, the United States saw their home World Cup campaign come to an end.
Watch the match highlights at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5HCJV5DFnw
Belgium Start on the Front Foot
Belgium started the match with confidence. From the opening whistle, they kept possession and attacked with purpose. As a result, the United States spent most of the early minutes defending. The breakthrough came in the ninth minute.
Nicolas Raskin burst into the penalty area before sending a low cross across goal. De Ketelaere arrived at the perfect moment and finished from close range to make it 1-0.
After the goal, Belgium stayed on the front foot. Their passing remained sharp, while their movement created space all over the pitch. In contrast, the United States struggled to build attacks.
Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun received little service. Therefore, Belgium looked comfortable throughout the first half.
De Ketelaere opened the scoring early for Belgium. (Photo: Reuters)
Tillman Levels the Score
The United States slowly improved. The hosts pressed higher and won the ball more often. Therefore, they began to threaten Belgium’s defense. Their equalizer came in the 31st minute.
Malik Tillman curled a free kick toward goal. The ball took a deflection and beat Thibaut Courtois. The stadium erupted as the score became 1-1.
For a few minutes, the momentum shifted. The home crowd believed the United States could turn the game around. However, Belgium answered almost immediately.
Tillman brought the game back to square one. (Photo: Reuters)
De Ketelaere Strikes Again
Belgium needed only two minutes to regain the lead. Leandro Trossard beat his defender on the left wing. He then delivered a perfect cross into the box. De Ketelaere rose above the defense and headed the ball into the net. The goal silenced the crowd. It also gave Belgium a huge boost before halftime.
Instead of chasing the game, Belgium entered the break with confidence. Meanwhile, the United States had to recover from another setback.
De Ketelaere scored a brace against the USA. (Photo: Reuters)
Belgium Stay in Control
The United States came out aggressively after halftime. They pushed more players forward and searched for another equalizer.
However, Belgium stayed organized. Courtois remained calm whenever he was tested. At the same time, Belgium looked dangerous on the counterattack. Their third goal arrived in the 57th minute.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese rushed off his line but hesitated. Belgium quickly won the loose ball. Hans Vanaken then rolled the ball into an empty net. The goal made it 3-1.
From that point, Belgium controlled the match with ease.
A disastrous loss of possession by goalkeeper Freese. (Photo: Reuters)
Lukaku Finishes the Job
The United States continued to attack. Pochettino made several substitutions to add fresh legs. Even so, Belgium defended well. The hosts found it difficult to create clear chances.
As the Americans pushed forward, they left more space at the back. Belgium took full advantage in stoppage time.
Chris Richards lost possession near his own penalty area. Lukaku reacted quickly and fired a low shot past Freese. The goal sealed a convincing 4-1 victory.
Lukaku demonstrated his knack for scoring when coming on as a substitute. (Photo: Reuters)
De Ketelaere Leads Belgium’s Attack
De Ketelaere was the best player on the pitch. He scored twice and caused problems throughout the match. In addition, he linked well with Belgium’s midfield and attack. Raskin also impressed with his energy and direct running.
Meanwhile, Trossard created chances with his crossing. Courtois made several important saves whenever the United States threatened.
Belgium showed quality in every area of the pitch. They attacked with confidence. They defended with discipline. Most importantly, they finished their chances.
USA Fall Short at Home
The result ended the United States’ World Cup journey. Although the hosts fought hard, they made too many mistakes against a top team. Tillman gave the fans hope with his equalizer. However, Belgium responded with great composure.
The young American squad still gained valuable experience.
Players like Tillman, Balogun, and Pulisic showed flashes of quality. Even so, the team needs to improve defensively before the next major tournament.
Belgium Set Up Quarterfinal Clash With Spain
Belgium now move into the quarterfinals with plenty of confidence. Their attack is scoring goals. Their defense also looks solid.
Next, they will face Spain in one of the biggest matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Both teams have impressed throughout the tournament. Therefore, the quarterfinal promises to be one of the most exciting games of the competition.
If Belgium perform like they did against the United States, they will believe they have a real chance to reach the semifinals and continue their push for World Cup glory.
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