FIFA WC 2026: Belgium crush co-hosts USA to set up quarter-final clash with Spain

Charles De Ketelaere starred with a first-half brace as Belgium swept aside co-hosts USA 4-1 at Seattle Stadium to book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals, where they will face Spain on July 11 at Los Angeles Stadium.

Hans Vanaken scored his maiden FIFA World Cup goal before substitute Romelu Lukaku added a stoppage-time fourth to seal an emphatic victory, ending the United States’ campaign and eliminating the last remaining co-host from the tournament after Canada and Mexico had already exited in the Round of 16.

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Belgium’s impressive unbeaten run under head coach Rudi Garcia also continued. Since a 3-1 defeat to Ukraine in Garcia’s first game in charge on March 20, 2025, the Red Devils have now gone 18 matches without defeat across all competitions, registering 12 wins and six draws while boasting a remarkable +40 goal difference.

The result also extended Belgium’s dominance over the United States. The Americans’ only victory in the fixture came at the inaugural 1930 FIFA World Cup, and Tuesday’s defeat marked their seventh consecutive loss to the Red Devils.

Belgium looked dangerous from the outset. Timothy Castagne’s powerful effort forced Matt Freese into an excellent save before Youri Tielemans came close to converting Dodi Lukebakio’s inviting cross.

The breakthrough arrived midway through the first half. Leandro Trossard’s teasing delivery unsettled the American defence, allowing Nicolas Raskin to square the ball for De Ketelaere, who made no mistake from close range.

The USA briefly restored parity in the 31st minute when Malik Tillman’s deflected free-kick wrong-footed Thibaut Courtois. Their joy, however, lasted less than two minutes.

Trossard again turned provider, whipping in a precise cross that De Ketelaere met with a powerful header to restore Belgium’s lead and complete his brace.

The contest effectively ended just before the hour mark following a costly defensive error. Freese rushed out of his penalty area to clear the ball but failed to make contact, allowing De Ketelaere to regain possession. The forward then teed up Vanaken, whose long-range effort took advantage of the unguarded goal despite Tim Ream’s desperate attempt to intervene.

The Americans pushed for a response in the closing stages, with substitute Sebastian Berhalter firing wide before Courtois produced two excellent saves to deny Folarin Balogun.

Belgium, however, had the final word. Deep into stoppage time, Lukaku capitalised on a loose clearance before calmly slotting home to complete a commanding 4-1 victory and send the Red Devils into a blockbuster quarter-final against Spain, who edged Portugal 1-0 after extra time.