Belgium crush USA 4-1 to set up quarterfinal clash with Spain
SEATTLE: Belgium produced a dominant display to end the United States’ 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, cruising to a 4-1 victory in the Round of 16 at Seattle Stadium and booking a quarter-final showdown with Spain.
Backed by a passionate home crowd, the co-hosts fought hard but were ultimately overwhelmed by a clinical Belgian side that capitalized on every defensive lapse.
Belgium made the perfect start as Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the eighth minute. The United States responded in spectacular fashion when Malik Tillman curled home a stunning free-kick in the 30th minute to restore parity. However, the hosts’ celebrations were short-lived, with De Ketelaere striking again just two minutes later to send Belgium into the break with a 2-1 lead.
The second half belonged entirely to Belgium. A costly mistake from USA goalkeeper Matt Freese gifted Hans Vanaken an easy finish in the 56th minute, extending the lead and leaving the hosts with a mountain to climb. As the Americans pushed forward in search of a comeback, Romelu Lukaku added a fourth goal deep into stoppage time to complete an emphatic victory.
Belgium now advance to the quarter-finals, where they will meet Spain in one of the standout ties of the tournament.
