Belgium beat United States 4-1 to reach World Cup quarter-finals

Highlights:

• Belgium beat United States 4-1 to reach World Cup quarter-finals
• Charles De Ketelaere scored twice in Belgium's commanding victory
• Malik Tillman briefly equalised with deflected first-half free kick
• Hans Vanaken punished Matt Freese's costly second-half clearance error
• Romelu Lukaku sealed victory with stoppage-time fourth goal
• United States exited; Belgium reached World Cup last eight

Belgium advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup with a 4-1 victory over the United States in their Round of 16 clash at Seattle Stadium on Tuesday, repeating their knockout-stage win over the Americans from the 2014 tournament.

Belgium dominated much of the contest and struck early through Charles De Ketelaere, who finished from close range in the 10th minute after Nicolas Raskin squared the ball across the goal.

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 16 - United States v Belgium - Seattle Stadium, Seattle, Washington, US - July 6, 2026 Belgium's Dodi Lukebakio in action with Antonee Robinson of the US. Photo: REUTERS/Lee Smith

The United States drew level in the 31st minute when Malik Tillman scored from a free kick for the second consecutive match after his effort took a deflection off Hans Vanaken.

Belgium restored their lead two minutes later as De Ketelaere headed home over Tim Ream to complete his brace and send his side into half-time with a 2-1 advantage.

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 16 - United States v Belgium - Seattle Stadium, Seattle, Washington, US - July 6, 2026 Alex Freeman of the US in action with Belgium's Maxim De Cuyper. Photo: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Steven Bisig

Belgium extended their lead after the break when a misplaced clearance from US goalkeeper Matt Freese allowed Vanaken to score into an unguarded net.

United States coach Mauricio Pochettino reshaped his side at half-time and introduced attacking substitutes, including Gio Reyna and Ricardo Pepi, as the hosts searched for a way back into the match.

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 16 - United States v Belgium - Seattle Stadium, Seattle, Washington, US - July 6, 2026 Belgium's Hans Vanaken celebrates scoring their third goal with Dodi Lukebakio and Youri Tielemans as Matt Freese of the US looks dejected. Photo: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Blake Dahlin TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

The Americans created several chances, but Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois denied Folarin Balogun to preserve his team's two-goal cushion.

Belgium sealed the victory in stoppage time when substitute Romelu Lukaku capitalised on a defensive error by Chris Richards to score the fourth goal.

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 16 - United States v Belgium - Seattle Stadium, Seattle, Washington, US - July 6, 2026 Belgium's Hans Vanaken celebrates scoring their third goal with Dodi Lukebakio and Youri Tielemans as Antonee Robinson of the US reacts. Photo: REUTERS/Lee Smith TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Both teams were forced into injury changes during the match. Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana went off in the first half, while United States captain Christian Pulisic was forced to leave the field after Belgium's third goal.

The result ended the United States' tournament as co-hosts and left them still searching for a first World Cup quarter-final appearance since 2002, while Belgium progressed to the last eight.