Belgium Thrash USA 4-1 as De Ketelaere Inspires World Cup Quarter-Final Berth

Posted : 07 July 2026

Belgium ended the United States' FIFA World Cup campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory in their Round of 16 meeting at Seattle Stadium on Monday. Charles De Ketelaere delivered a standout performance with two first-half goals and an assist as Rudi Garcia's side secured a place in the quarter-finals.

Belgium started brightly and nearly scored inside the opening minute. Timothy Castagne forced Matt Freese into an early save after efforts from Leandro Trossard and Youri Tielemans had already tested the American defence. The pressure paid off in the ninth minute when Nicolas Raskin recovered a loose ball and squared for De Ketelaere to finish from close range.

The Red Devils suffered a setback when midfielder Amadou Onana was forced off with a knee injury. The USA responded after the half-hour mark as Malik Tillman's free-kick took a deflection that wrong-footed Thibaut Courtois to level the score.

Belgium restored their advantage almost immediately. Trossard delivered an inviting cross from the left, and De Ketelaere rose above Tim Ream to power a header into the net for his second goal of the match.

The visitors remained in control after the break. A costly mistake by goalkeeper Matt Freese allowed De Ketelaere to dispossess him before Hans Vanaken calmly finished into an empty net, extending Belgium's lead to 3-1.

The United States created a few late opportunities through Sebastian Berhalter and Folarin Balogun, but Courtois denied Balogun while Berhalter fired wide. Belgium added a fourth goal in stoppage time after Chris Richards lost possession, allowing substitute Romelu Lukaku to finish clinically and complete the emphatic victory.

Despite leaving Kevin De Bruyne on the bench throughout the match, Belgium produced one of their most complete performances of the tournament. De Ketelaere became the first Belgian player since records began in 1966 to contribute to three goals in a single FIFA World Cup or European Championship match. Three of his eight international goals have now come against the United States.

Trossard also reached a significant milestone by becoming only the third Belgian player to record at least two goals and two assists in a single World Cup, joining Eden Hazard and Jan Ceulemans. He also leads the tournament with 17 chances created.

Belgium finished with 15 shots and an expected goals value of 2.15 compared to the USA's seven attempts and 0.67 xG. The victory sends Belgium into the quarter-finals for the fourth time in their history, where they will face Spain. For the United States, it marks a fourth straight Round of 16 exit despite an encouraging tournament as one of the competition's co-hosts.

Belgium Thrash USA 4-1 as De Ketelaere Inspires World Cup Quarter-Final Berth

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