Belgium produced a dominant display to defeat the United States 4-1 in the World Cup round of 16, securing a place in the quarter-finals and ending the hosts’ tournament campaign. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice, while Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku added second-half goals as Belgium comfortably advanced to face Spain in the next round.
Belgium seized control early when De Ketelaere scored inside the opening 10 minutes after the United States failed to clear the danger. Malik Tillman briefly restored hope with a deflected free kick in the first half, but De Ketelaere quickly headed Belgium back in front, allowing the European side to regain complete control before the break.
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The United States showed greater urgency after halftime, but goalkeeper Matt Freese made a costly mistake by losing possession near his goal, allowing substitute Hans Vanaken to score with ease. Lukaku then sealed the emphatic victory in stoppage time with his seventh World Cup goal and 93rd international goal for Belgium, putting the result beyond doubt.
The defeat also ended the participation of all three World Cup co-hosts after Canada and Mexico were eliminated in the same stage. Despite the disappointing exit, United States coach Mauricio Pochettino dismissed suggestions that the pre-match controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun affected his players, admitting Belgium simply performed at a much higher level throughout the contest.
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Meanwhile, Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin said the debate over Balogun’s eligibility motivated his team rather than distracted them. Looking ahead, Pochettino expressed confidence in the future of the young United States squad and indicated he remains committed to continuing his work, pending discussions with the national football federation after the tournament.