Belgium eliminated co-hosts USA from the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 4-1 victory in the Round of 16 on July 6 at Seattle Stadium in Seattle.
Charles De Ketelaere (Belgian) opened the scoring early and added a second, while defensive lapses allowed further goals from Hans Vanaken and substitute Romelu Lukaku. Malik Tillman (American) replied for the hosts with a free-kick equalizer. The result ended USA’s tournament run as all three host nations exited at this stage.
Charles De Ketelaere (Belgian) scored in the 9th minute, assisted by Nicolas Raskin, tapping home from close range after a loose ball in the box. Malik Tillman equalized in the 31st minute with a right-footed free-kick from outside the area that deflected in. De Ketelaere restored the lead two minutes later in the 33rd minute with a close-range header assisted by Leandro Trossard. Hans Vanaken, who replaced the injured Amadou Onana, made it 3-1 in the 57th minute, assisted by De Ketelaere, capitalizing on a goalkeeper error. Romelu Lukaku added the fourth in the 90+3rd minute, assisted by Vanaken.
Belgium dominated early and exploited USA mistakes throughout, maintaining control after the brief equaliser.
Belgium advances to the quarterfinals to face Spain, building on strong group-stage form. The victory highlights their clinical finishing and depth, with multiple substitutes contributing. USA, despite home advantage and moments of promise, struggled defensively and exited without advancing past the Round of 16.
Belgium will face Spain in the quarterfinals on Friday.