Belgium Thrash Hosts USA 4-1 To Reach World Cup Quarterfinals
De Ketelaere brace and late Lukaku goal send Red Devils through
Belgium beat hosts USA 4-1 to book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals, coming from behind in front of a packed home crowd to put on a ruthless second-half display.
The Red Devils struck first in the 14th minute through Charles De Ketelaere, who finished calmly to give Belgium an early lead. The USA responded well and leveled in the 31st minute through Malik Tillman, who curled home a brilliant free kick to send the stadium into raptures. But Belgium’s advantage was restored just three minutes later. Leandro Trossard delivered a perfect cross from the left and De Ketelaere rose highest to head home his second of the night, putting Belgium back in front before halftime.
The game turned for good in the 57th minute after a costly mistake from USA goalkeeper Matt Turner. Under pressure, he spilled a routine ball and Belgium capitalized to extend their lead to 3-1, a goal that sucked the energy out of the home support. Belgium continued to control possession and picked the hosts apart on the break. In the 92nd minute Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to put the result beyond doubt, slotting home Belgium’s fourth and sealing a dominant win.
The result sends Belgium into the quarterfinals for the third World Cup edition in a row. It’s a remarkable run for a nation that had only reached the last eight once in its entire history between 1930 and 2010. Lukaku also made history with his late strike, becoming the first player in World Cup history to score as a substitute in four different matches.
Belgium will now face Spain in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup in what promises to be a heavyweight clash between two European giants.