USA vs Belgium: Ruthless Red Devils win 4-1 in Seattle to eliminate the United States from the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16. Belgium produced a clinical attacking display to defeat the tournament co-hosts 4-1 at Seattle Stadium on Monday, July 6, booking their place in the quarter-finals. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice in the first half, while Hans Vanaken capitalized on a defensive error and Romelu Lukaku added a stoppage-time goal to end the Americans’ home-soil campaign.
Belgium seized control early with a devastating first-half double. De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the ninth minute after a scramble in the box, tucking in a pass from Nicolas Raskin. The United States equalized in the 31st minute through Malik Tillman, whose deflected free-kick wrong-footed Thibaut Courtois. However, Belgium responded within two minutes, with De Ketelaere heading in a Leandro Trossard cross to restore the lead at 2-1.
The contest was decided in the 57th minute when USA goalkeeper Matt Freese made a costly error, rushing out of his area and mishandling a long ball. Hans Vanaken rolled a long-range finish into the empty net for a 3-1 lead. Despite the Americans dominating possession with 57% of the ball, they rarely troubled Courtois, managing only two shots on target. Christian Pulisic was forced off due to injury, further denting their attack.
Romelu Lukaku sealed the victory in stoppage time, slotting home a pass from Jérémy Doku to make it 4-1. Belgium advance to face Spain in the quarter-finals on July 10. For the United States, defensive lapses and missed opportunities brought an otherwise encouraging home tournament to a disappointing end.