Seattle, United States: Belgium produced a ruthless display to end the United States’ FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory on Monday, booking a blockbuster quarter-final showdown against Spain.
The Red Devils silenced a packed Lumen Field as Charles De Ketelaere struck twice before Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku completed an emphatic victory that ended the Americans’ hopes of reaching their first World Cup quarter-final since 2002.
The result also means all three tournament co-hosts, the United States, Canada, and Mexico, have now exited the competition before the last eight.
Belgium made a dream start, taking the lead after just nine minutes when Nicolas Raskin delivered a dangerous cross that evaded the American defence, allowing De Ketelaere to tap home from close range.
The early goal stunned the home crowd of more than 67,000, who had arrived in high spirits after FIFA controversially overturned Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension, allowing the striker to feature.
The United States found a way back midway through the first half when Balogun won a free-kick on the edge of the area.
Malik Tillman stepped up and saw his effort take a decisive deflection off the Belgian wall before finding the back of the net to level the match in the 30th minute.
However, Belgium restored their advantage just three minutes later.
Leandro Trossard floated a precise cross into the penalty area where De Ketelaere rose above veteran defender Tim Ream to power home his second goal of the evening.
The Americans emerged from halftime with renewed intensity after coach Mauricio Pochettino reshuffled his formation, but their comeback hopes were effectively ended by a costly defensive error.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese hesitated while attempting to clear a long Belgian ball, allowing De Ketelaere to dispossess him before squaring for Hans Vanaken, who calmly rolled the ball into an empty net in the 57th minute.
The setback worsened moments later when captain Christian Pulisic was forced off through injury, further denting the hosts’ hopes of mounting a recovery.
Despite creating several late opportunities through Sebastian Berhalter and Balogun, the United States struggled to break down Belgium’s disciplined defence.
Belgium added further gloss to the scoreline deep into stoppage time when Chris Richards gifted possession to substitute Romelu Lukaku, who made no mistake with a composed finish to seal a comprehensive 4-1 victory.
Balogun controversy overshadows buildup
The match was preceded by widespread controversy after FIFA reinstated Folarin Balogun following his suspension for a red card received against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The decision reportedly came after an appeal supported by United States President Donald Trump, drawing criticism from football fans, pundits and former players who questioned FIFA’s consistency in disciplinary matters.
Although Balogun started and helped create the Americans’ equaliser, Belgium’s clinical finishing ultimately rendered the controversy irrelevant.
Belgium will now meet Spain in one of the standout quarter-final fixtures after La Roja edged Portugal 1-0 through Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time winner.
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