By Ayo Kehinde
Belgium produced a clinical display to eliminate co-hosts the United States from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, recording a commanding 4-1 victory in their Round of 16 encounter at Seattle Stadium on Sunday.
The Red Devils were in control for most of the contest, with Charles De Ketelaere delivering a standout performance by scoring twice and providing an assist as Belgium advanced to the quarter-finals for the third time in the last four editions of the tournament.
Belgium made a dream start, taking the lead in the ninth minute when Nicolas Raskin’s low cross found De Ketelaere inside the penalty area, allowing the Atalanta forward to convert after the American defence failed to clear its lines.
The United States struggled to impose itself for much of the opening half, particularly in the absence of suspended striker Folarin Balogun.
However, Mauricio Pochettino’s side found an unlikely equaliser in the 31st minute when Malik Tillman’s free-kick took a decisive deflection before looping beyond the Belgian goalkeeper.
The celebrations among the home supporters were short-lived.
Just two minutes later, Belgium regained the lead as De Ketelaere finished smartly from close range, restoring his side’s advantage before halftime and shifting the momentum firmly back in Belgium’s favour.
Any hopes of an American comeback disappeared early in the second half after a costly mistake from goalkeeper Matt Freese.
His heavy touch outside the penalty area handed possession to Hans Vanaken, who calmly rolled the ball into the empty net to make it 3-1 in the 57th minute.
Belgium continued to dominate proceedings and completed the rout in stoppage time. Persistent pressure from Vanaken forced Chris Richards into a misplaced clearance, with the loose ball falling kindly for Romelu Lukaku, who finished confidently to seal a comprehensive victory.
The result sends Belgium into a mouth-watering quarter-final clash against Spain later this week in Los Angeles.
For the United States, the defeat marks another disappointing Round of 16 exit despite hosting the tournament and entering the competition under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino.
The Americans were unable to match Belgium’s quality on the night as their World Cup campaign came to an end before the home fans.
