Seattle: Belgium secured a commanding 4–1 victory over co-hosts the United States on Tuesday to book their place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Playing at Seattle Stadium, the Red Devils produced a clinical attacking display to end the hosts’ campaign and advance to the last eight for the first time since 2018.

Charles De Ketelaere starred for Belgium with a brilliant brace, while Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku added one goal each. De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the ninth minute before the United States responded through Malik Tillman, who converted a superb free-kick in the 31st minute to level the match. However, Belgium regained the lead just two minutes later when De Ketelaere struck again to restore his side’s advantage.

Belgium extended their lead in the 57th minute through Vanaken, who calmly finished to make it 3–1. The victory was sealed deep into second-half stoppage time when Lukaku found the back of the net, completing a convincing 4–1 triumph. The result marks Belgium’s return to the World Cup quarter-finals after an eight-year absence, having finished third in 2018 before suffering a group-stage exit in Qatar in 2022.

Belgium will now face Spain in the quarter-finals as they continue their pursuit of a second-ever World Cup semi-final appearance. For the United States, the defeat ends hopes of reaching the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 24 years, bringing their impressive home campaign to a disappointing conclusion.