World Cup 2026: Belgium cruise past USA via Charles De Ketelaere brace to set up Spain quarter-final
Belgium booked their place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, producing a clinical 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States at Lumen Field despite the pre-match controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's availability.
Charles De Ketelaere scored twice before half-time to put Belgium firmly in control, before Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku completed an emphatic victory that set up a blockbuster quarter-final against Spain.
The USA briefly responded through Malik Tillman, but defensive errors ultimately proved costly.
De Ketelaere takes centre stage
Belgium wasted little time asserting themselves.
Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring inside the opening 10 minutes before restoring Belgium's two-goal advantage shortly after Tillman's response, delivering another composed attacking display that underlined his growing influence during the tournament.
Vanaken added a third after the interval before Lukaku sealed the result in stoppage time, ensuring Belgium advanced in convincing fashion.
Their attacking efficiency punished a United States side that struggled to recover from repeated defensive lapses.
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USA's campaign ends in disappointment
The hosts entered the match hoping home support could inspire another memorable World Cup performance, but Belgium consistently exposed weaknesses at the back.
Even though Tillman briefly offered hope by pulling a goal back, the USA never truly established sustained control of the contest.
Their World Cup journey therefore comes to an end after reaching the knockout stages, while Belgium continue to gather momentum heading into the latter stages of the tournament.
Balogun controversy fails to change outcome
Much of the build-up centred on Folarin Balogun after his suspension was overturned, allowing him to feature despite the controversy surrounding the decision.
Following the defeat, USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino admitted his disappointment with how the debate had unfolded but refused to use it as an excuse.
"My position was to train the team... if FIFA allow for you to have the player, it's not a problem," Pochettino told Sky Sports.
"That is not an excuse to say, 'we didn't perform because of that'. That is not true."
Balogun also stressed that the appeal process was beyond his control.
"I accepted the decision when I was given the red card, and I accepted the decision when I was told I was allowed to play.
"I didn't have any involvement in the process."
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Belgium stay focused
Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia praised the maturity shown by his players, insisting the outside noise never distracted them from their objective.
He also revealed that Balogun approached him after the final whistle, a gesture Garcia appreciated.
"I really liked that. It's not his fault, he's not the one to blame and that's what I told him."
On whether the controversy affected Belgium's preparations, Garcia was unequivocal.
"Regardless of the US starting line-up, what really mattered to us is our game plan.
"The group is very mature. What matters the most is us."
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Spain await Belgium
Belgium's reward is a quarter-final meeting with Spain, setting up one of the most intriguing ties of the tournament.
With De Ketelaere in outstanding form and Lukaku continuing to provide experience and finishing quality, Belgium head into the last eight full of confidence.
For the United States, meanwhile, the focus now shifts to reflecting on a home World Cup campaign that showed promise but ultimately ended against a Belgium side that was simply sharper in both penalty areas.
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