In a stunning display on July 7, 2026, Belgium triumphed over the USA with a decisive 4-1 victory in the World Cup 2026 last-16 match held in Seattle. Charles De Ketelaere emerged as the star of the match, scoring two goals that helped Belgium secure their place in the quarter-finals, effectively ending the co-hosts' World Cup hopes.
Match Highlights: Belgium vs USA
The match began with Belgium taking an early lead in the ninth minute, as Charles De Ketelaere capitalized on a defensive lapse from the USA. The American fans were quickly silenced as De Ketelaere's simple tap-in showcased the nerves of the US team. However, the home side responded in the 31st minute when Malik Tillman equalized with a deflected free kick that caught goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois off guard.
Just a minute later, De Ketelaere restored Belgium's advantage with a powerful header, demonstrating Belgium's attacking prowess. The first half ended with Belgium leading 2-1, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
Critical Errors Shift Momentum
The second half saw the USA come out with more determination, but a critical mistake by goalkeeper Matt Freese changed the game's trajectory. In the 57th minute, Freese misjudged a clearance, allowing Hans Vanaken to score and extend Belgium's lead to 3-1. This blunder left the American team reeling and the Seattle Stadium crowd in disbelief.
As the match progressed, the USA struggled to regain their footing. Despite a few chances, including a close shot from Christian Pulisic, they couldn't find the back of the net. In added time, Romelu Lukaku sealed the deal with Belgium's fourth goal, further demoralizing the US squad.
Post-Match Reactions
After the match, congratulations poured in for Belgium, who displayed exceptional skill and resilience throughout the tournament. The defeat marked a significant disappointment for the USA, whose hopes for a deep World Cup run were dashed. As the dust settles, the focus now shifts to the remaining last-16 fixtures, including Argentina vs Egypt and Colombia vs Switzerland.
- Final Score: USA 1 - 4 Belgium
- Goals: De Ketelaere (9', 32'), Vanaken (57'), Lukaku (90+1')
- USA Goalscorer: Tillman (31')
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by France 24 World. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
