Belgium thrashes the United States with a score of four.

Belgium thwarted the ambitions of host United States by eliminating them from the Round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup with a 4-1 victory on Monday in Seattle, setting up a date with Spain in the quarter-finals on Friday in Inglewood (Los Angeles).

Belgium's goals were scored by Charles De Ketelaere (9 and 33), substitutes Hans Vanaken (57) and Romelu Lukaku (90+3), while the American goal was scored by Malik Tillman (31).

The United States team joined their host neighbors Mexico and Canada in exiting the tournament, suffering their seventh consecutive defeat to Belgium across all competitions, since their first and only victory over the European side 3-0 in the 1930 World Cup.

Belgium's French coach Rudi Garcia said, "At this time in Belgium, at four in the morning, anyone who woke up to watch the match should be proud of the players. Belgium is a great country in football."

He added, "We executed the tactical plan we prepared and controlled the match throughout. We entered the game with a clear and defined starting lineup and game plan. The major negative point is the injury to Amadou Onana. I have the impression it is a serious injury, but despite that, we succeeded in qualifying for the quarter-finals."

He continued, "Our 'golden substitute' came back to strike again. Romelu Lukaku scored another goal."

Argentinian coach Mauricio Pochettino of the United States said, "The match was very difficult from the start. We congratulate Belgium; they were better than us. We were not at our best. This is not an excuse... We did not perform at the level we usually show, and that is the truth."

He added, "We need to learn, review the match, and understand why we did not handle it the same way we played in the rest of the World Cup matches. It was not our day... and this performance does not reflect our usual style."

Man of the match De Ketelaere said, "It is a perfect moment for the team, for me personally, and for the country. I don't care what was said about me (that I don't score goals), because I know well what I bring to the team. Against New Zealand, I also had a great game, even if I didn't score. Today I scored two goals and provided an assist, which is great."

He continued, "I really enjoy touching the ball and participating in building the play, and sometimes I forget to be in the penalty area. But I corrected that today."

The intensity of the match actually started before the official kickoff, as FIFA lifted the suspension on American star Folarin Balogun, who received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina (2-0), a decision that sparked a wave of criticism, especially after U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that he asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the decision personally.