Belgium crush USA to set up Spain quarter-final showdown

Charles De Ketelaere delivered a masterclass with two goals and an assist as Belgium swept aside hosts United States 4-1 on Tuesday to book their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Atalanta forward justified head coach Rudi Garcia’s decision to start him ahead of Romelu Lukaku, producing a dazzling display that overwhelmed a disappointing American side at Seattle Stadium and set up a mouth-watering last-eight clash against Spain.

Belgium made a fast start and were rewarded after just nine minutes.

Dodi Lukebakio’s switch of play sparked the attack before Leandro Trossard’s cross caused panic inside the penalty area.

Nicolas Raskin reacted quickest to Chris Richards’ poor clearance, squaring the ball across goal for De Ketelaere to tap home from close range.

The Red Devils dominated possession and controlled the tempo, while the United States struggled to establish any rhythm in front of their home supporters.

Belgium’s high pressing and slick passing repeatedly exposed gaps in the American defence.

Against the run of play, the hosts found an equaliser in the 31st minute through Malik Tillman.

The midfielder curled a dangerous free-kick towards goal that took a slight deflection off Hans Vanaken, wrong-footing goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and bringing Mauricio Pochettino’s side level with their first meaningful effort of the contest.

The celebrations lasted barely two minutes.

Belgium immediately restored their advantage as Trossard delivered a superb cross from the left and De Ketelaere rose above veteran defender Tim Ream to head emphatically into the top corner for his second goal of the evening, giving the Europeans a deserved 2-1 lead at halftime.

The Americans attempted to respond after the break, introducing Giovanni Reyna and later Ricardo Pepi in search of an equaliser, but Belgium remained firmly in control.

Their decisive third goal arrived in the 57th minute following a costly mistake from goalkeeper Matt Freese.

Racing outside his penalty area to clear a long ball, Freese hesitated under pressure from De Ketelaere, who poked possession into the path of Vanaken.

The experienced midfielder calmly fired into the empty net from long range to put Belgium in command.

Garcia then introduced Lukaku and Jérémy Doku from the bench, and the fresh legs ensured Belgium maintained their intensity during the closing stages.

Lukaku completed the scoring deep into stoppage time after Vanaken’s relentless pressing forced another defensive error.

The striker collected the loose ball before cutting inside and curling a precise finish into the bottom corner for his 93rd international goal.

Belgium finished the match having comfortably outplayed the tournament hosts, creating the better opportunities while restricting the United States to few clear chances.

De Ketelaere’s outstanding performance earned him the spotlight, becoming the first Belgian player since detailed records began in 1966 to be directly involved in three goals in a single World Cup match.

The emphatic victory sends Belgium into a blockbuster quarter-final against Spain in Los Angeles, while the United States’ memorable home World Cup campaign comes to an end in the round of 16.

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