Belgium Dominates USA 4-1, Advances to World Cup Quarterfinals
Photo: REUTERS
Belgium booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals with a dominant 4-1 victory over the USA at Seattle Stadium.
The result eliminates the final co-host from the tournament following the earlier Round of 16 exits of Canada and Mexico.
Rudi Garcia’s squad dictated play early as Timothy Castagne’s 18-yard strike forced Matt Freese into a flying save.
After Youri Tielemans narrowly missed Dodi Lukebakio’s cross, Charles De Ketelaere tapped home a 9th-minute opener following Leandro Trossard’s troubling delivery and Nicolas Raskin’s assist.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side equalized in the 31st minute when Malik Tillman’s deflected free-kick wrong-footed Thibaut Courtois. However, parity lasted only 116 seconds as De Ketelaere headed in another Trossard cross to restore the lead.
Belgium extended the lead in the 57th minute when Hans Vanaken scored his first World Cup goal from long range after Freese missed a clearance and Tim Ream failed to block the shot.
Despite late chances for Sebastian Berhalter and Folarin Balogun, substitute Romelu Lukaku sealed the win in stoppage time.
Belgium now advances to Los Angeles Stadium on 10 July to face Spain.
