Belgium Defeats USA 4-1, Advances to World Cup Quarter-Finals
Belgium eliminated co-hosts USA with a commanding 4-1 victory in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match took place on home soil for the USA, marking the end of their hopes to progress further in the tournament.
Belgium's Charl de Ketelaere starred with a brilliant brace, while Han Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku also found the net. The match began with Belgium taking control early, with de Ketelaere scoring just nine minutes in.
The USA equalized through Malik Tillman's free kick but quickly fell behind again to de Ketelaere's header. A mistake by USA goalkeeper Matt Freese allowed Vanaken to score, extending Belgium's lead to 3-1.
The USA's situation worsened when captain Christian Pulisic was injured. Lukaku sealed the victory in stoppage time.
Belgium will face Spain in the quarter-finals, while the USA's defeat marks their continued wait for a quarter-final appearance since 2002.
Plus234Feed summary based on reporting from Blueprint. Read the original report below.
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