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By Open Chronicle
Belgium produced one of their most complete performances of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday, defeating co-hosts the United States 4,1 at Seattle’s Lumen Field to book a place in the quarter-finals, where they will face European champions Spain.
Charles De Ketelaere starred with two first-half goals before Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku completed an emphatic victory that ended the American campaign despite the controversial inclusion of striker Folarin Balogun.
Belgium Responds to Balogun Controversy
The match carried added tension following FIFA’s decision to suspend Balogun’s one-match ban on a one-year probationary basis, allowing the American forward to play despite his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the previous round.
Belgium had protested the decision before kickoff, but quickly turned their focus to the football.
The Red Devils dominated from the opening whistle and nearly took the lead within the first minute when Timothy Castagne tested goalkeeper Matt Freese with a powerful effort.
The breakthrough arrived in the ninth minute. Nicolas Raskin found Charles De Ketelaere inside the penalty area, and the Belgian forward calmly finished to give his side an early advantage.
De Ketelaere Shines Despite American Response
Although Belgium controlled possession, the United States gradually settled into the contest.
Their first meaningful opportunity came in the 31st minute after Balogun won a free kick on the edge of the area. Malik Tillman curled a superb effort into the net via a slight deflection off the Belgian wall, bringing the hosts level at 1,1.
The equalizer lasted only two minutes.
Leandro Trossard delivered an inviting cross from the left, and De Ketelaere rose highest to head home his second goal of the evening, restoring Belgium’s advantage before halftime.
Belgium continued to threaten before the interval, with Raskin and Dodi Lukébakio both going close, while Balogun missed a promising chance for the Americans just before the break.
Defensive Error Ends American Hopes
The United States enjoyed more possession after halftime and attempted to increase the pressure, but a costly defensive mistake proved decisive.
In the 57th minute, goalkeeper Matt Freese hesitated after rushing out to deal with a long ball from Brandon Mechele. De Ketelaere seized possession before setting up substitute Hans Vanaken, who calmly rolled the ball into an empty net to make it 3,1.
The Americans continued searching for a way back into the match, but Thibaut Courtois denied efforts from Sebastian Berhalter and Balogun, preserving Belgium’s comfortable lead.
Lukaku Finishes the Job
Belgium sealed the victory deep into stoppage time.
Vanaken intercepted a misplaced pass near the byline before crossing for Romelu Lukaku, who finished confidently to score Belgium’s fourth goal.
The strike also earned Lukaku a place in World Cup history, making him the first player ever to score as a substitute in three separate matches during the same edition of the tournament.
Quarter-Final Clash Awaits
The victory extends Belgium’s unbeaten run to 18 matches, consisting of 12 wins and six draws, and sends them into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since their third-place finish eight years ago.
Belgium will now face Spain in a highly anticipated European showdown, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
For the United States, the defeat brings another Round of 16 exit, matching their elimination by Belgium at the same stage in 2014. Like fellow co-hosts Mexico and Canada, the Americans were unable to progress beyond the first knockout round on home soil.
Final Score
Belgium 4,1 United States
Goals:
- Charles De Ketelaere (9′, 33′)
- Malik Tillman (31′)
- Hans Vanaken (57′)
- Romelu Lukaku (90+3′)
Quarter Final:
- Belgium vs Spain
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