SEATTLE – Belgium secured a place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after crushing the United States 4-1 in their Round of 16 clash, eliminating the host nation from the tournament.
Belgium took an early lead in the ninth minute through Charles De Ketelaere. The United States responded in the 31st minute when Tillman found the net to level the score at 1-1. However, Belgium restored their advantage just two minutes later as De Ketelaere scored his second goal of the match, giving his side a 2-1 lead at halftime.
Belgium extended their lead 12 minutes into the second half when Vina Ken capitalized on an error by the American goalkeeper to make it 3-1.
Despite trailing by two goals, the United States continued to push forward in search of a comeback, but they were unable to break through Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who produced a series of important saves.
Veteran striker Romelu Lukaku sealed Belgium’s victory with a fourth goal in stoppage time, confirming a convincing 4-1 win and a place in the quarter-finals.
The match followed controversy surrounding US forward Folarin Balogun. Reports said Balogun received a red card during the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 2 and was handed a one-match suspension under FIFA regulations.
Ahead of the Round of 16 match against Belgium on July 7, his suspension was lifted following a recommendation from US President Donald Trump, a decision that sparked controversy.
Despite Balogun’s availability, the United States was unable to avoid elimination.
- Muhammad Mahmood
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