Belgium thrashed USA 4-1 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 clash at the Seattle stadium.
The Belgians triumphed by scoring twice in each half, Charles De Ketelaere with both goals in the first half before Hans Vanacken and Romelu Lukaku’s second half strikes. Max Tillman’s deflected free kick was USA’s only consolation on a night the Stars and Stripes were dimmed and ragged.
The build-up to the encounter was dominated by interference of US President Donald Trump who revealed he made a call to FIFA for suspended Folarin Balogun to be reinstated following his red card in the round of 32.
The Monaco striker started but a Belgium side that vehemently rejected the move were all over the US from the first minute and took the lead on nine minutes when De Ketelaere tapped into an empty net from Nicolas Raskin’s low cross across the face of goal. Balogun would be involved in the co-hosts’ equalizer, winning the free-kick from which Tillman’s free-kick took a deflection on its way into the net for 1-1 on 31 minutes.
The lead lasted just two minutes as De Ketelaere struck again, the striker powered home a header from Leandro Trossard’s coss to ensure Rudi Garcia’s side went into the break with a deserved lead despite USA’s best efforts.
The North Americans’ night went from bad to worse when goalkeeper Matt Freese’s error allowed Vanaken to side-foot into the bottom of the net to double their lead. Veteran striker Lukaku added more distance to the scoreline to make clear Belgium’s inspired and dominating performance, slotting a low shot into the far corner from a tight angle to end a tough night for expectant US fans.
Belgium will face Spain in the quarter-final at the Los Angeles stadium on Friday, July 10.
Daily Trust
