The United States’ World Cup 2026 campaign came to an end on Monday after a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice to send the Red Devils into the quarter-finals.
The build-up to the match was dominated by controversy after FIFA overturned Folarin Balogun’s suspension, allowing the U.S. striker to play despite being sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The decision came after intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump, but Balogun had little influence on the game.
He did win the free-kick that led to the U.S. equaliser in the first half, but Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin said the decision only motivated his team.
“We didn’t think it was fair, but sometimes justice finds its way,” Raskin said after the match.
Belgium made a dream start as De Ketelaere tapped home from close range in the ninth minute after the U.S. struggled to clear the ball.
The hosts fought back in the 31st minute when Malik Tillman’s free-kick took a deflection and found the net. However, Belgium restored their lead almost immediately as De Ketelaere headed home at the back post.
The United States showed more urgency after the break, but their hopes of a comeback suffered a huge blow in the 57th minute. Goalkeeper Matt Freese took too long on the ball, allowing substitute Hans Vanaken to steal possession and score into an empty net.
Romelu Lukaku sealed Belgium’s victory deep into stoppage time with his 93rd international goal and seventh at the FIFA World Cup.
Belgium have now reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the third time in the last four editions and will face European champions Spain in Los Angeles on Friday.
The defeat also means all three tournament co-hosts have been eliminated, with Canada and Mexico having already exited in the Round of 16.
Belgium looked sharper from the opening whistle. Timothy Castagne forced Freese into an early save before Youri Tielemans missed a good chance. The pressure finally paid off when De Ketelaere finished off Raskin’s cross after the U.S. defence failed to clear the danger.
Belgium suffered a setback when midfielder Amadou Onana was forced off with an injury that could rule him out of the rest of the tournament.
A hydration break helped the United States regroup, and Tillman’s fortunate equaliser briefly lifted the home crowd. But Belgium quickly regained control with another goal before Vanaken’s strike and Lukaku’s late finish put the result beyond doubt.
