Belgium Crushes USA 4-1 to Reach World Cup Quarter-Finals, Ending Co-Hosts' Journey
Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 in the round of 16, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice, amid controversy over FIFA lifting Folarin Balogun's suspension after US President Trump intervened.
Belgium ended the United States' World Cup dreams on Monday, securing a commanding 4-1 victory in the round of 16 in Seattle. The win propels Belgium into the quarter-finals, where they will face Spain, while the Americans exit the tournament in the round of 16 alongside their fellow co-hosts Canada and Mexico.
The match was overshadowed by the controversy surrounding US striker Folarin Balogun, whose one-game suspension was lifted by FIFA after US President Donald Trump personally asked the organization to review the case. Balogun had been sent off in the previous match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA's decision drew widespread criticism from football fans and pundits globally, but the Seattle crowd greeted Balogun's inclusion in the starting lineup with a thunderous roar.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia made bold tactical choices, leaving stars Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku on the bench. The gamble paid off immediately when Charles De Ketelaere scored in the ninth minute, tapping in from close range after a cross from Nicolas Raskin. The early goal silenced the partisan crowd of 67,000.
The Americans responded through Malik Tillman, whose free kick deflected off the Belgian wall and into the net in the 33rd minute. However, any momentum was short-lived as De Ketelaere scored his second just moments later, leaping to meet a Leandro Trossard cross and heading past the goalkeeper.
In the second half, US goalkeeper Matt Freese made a catastrophic error, hesitating on a clearance that allowed De Ketelaere to set up Hans Vanaken for an easy goal into an empty net. Christian Pulisic limped off with an injury shortly after, effectively ending US hopes. Romelu Lukaku added a fourth goal in stoppage time after a defensive mistake by Chris Richards, sealing a comprehensive victory for Belgium.
