2026 FIFA World Cup – Round of 16
United States…. 1
Belgium…………. 4
Despite the Balogun controversy and the alleged – or otherwise – manoeuvres involving Trump and Infantino, the United States’ World Cup dream came to an end in Seattle as the Americans were comfortably beaten by a Belgium side that proved technically and tactically superior.
It was a thoroughly deserved victory for the Europeans, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice and also playing a key role in the build-up to the third goal. Rudi Garcia’s side will now face Spain in the quarter-finals. Belgium made a dominant start, putting the Americans under intense pressure from the opening whistle. It came as little surprise when they took the lead after just nine minutes. Nicolas Raskin broke down the left before delivering a low cross to the unmarked De Ketelaere, who calmly slotted home. Belgium were forced into an early substitution in the 21st minute after Amadou Onana picked up an injury.
The Belgians continued to control possession and dictate proceedings, but against the run of play the United States equalised in the 31st minute. Malik Tillman’s free-kick from a central position on the edge of the penalty area took a decisive deflection off substitute Hans Vanaken, wrong-footing Thibaut Courtois to make it 1-1. However, the Americans’ celebrations lasted only two minutes. Straight from the restart, Leandro Trossard surged down the left and delivered a cross for De Ketelaere, who powered a header past Matt Freese for his second goal of the match.
The United States began the second half with greater determination and aggression, but conceded a third goal in the 56th minute during their best spell of the game. Goalkeeper Freese made a costly error by rushing out of his penalty area to challenge De Ketelaere, only to lose possession. The loose ball fell kindly to Vanaken, who finished into an empty net. The setback was compounded when Christian Pulisic was forced off injured.
Belgium then comfortably managed their advantage, conserving energy for the remainder of the tournament. Deep into stoppage time, Romelu Lukaku added further misery for the hosts by scoring Belgium’s fourth goal following a fine solo run.
United States: Freese, Dest, Richards, Robinson, Ream, Freeman, Adams, McKennie, Tillman, Pulisic, Balogun. Coach: Mauricio Pochettino.
Belgium: Courtois, Mechele, De Cuyper, Castagne, Ngoy, Tielemans, Raskin, Onana, Trossard, Lukebakio, De Ketelaere. Coach: Rudi Garcia.
Referee: Adham Mohammad Tumah Makhadmeh (Jordan).
