Belgium has advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America after defeating co-host nation the United States.

In the Round of 16 match held at Seattle Stadium in Washington, Belgium beat the U.S. 4-1.

Belgium, whose best World Cup finish was third place at the 2018 Russia tournament, has reached the quarterfinals this time, overcoming the disappointment of being eliminated in the group stage at the Qatar tournament four years ago.

Belgium will face Spain, which defeated Portugal 1-0, in the quarterfinals at Los Angeles Stadium on July 11.

The United States had to settle for reaching the Round of 16 for the second consecutive tournament, following the Qatar World Cup.

With the U.S. elimination, all three North American co-host nations have now been knocked out in the Round of 16.

Canada suffered a 3-0 defeat to Morocco on July 5, and Mexico lost 3-2 to England yesterday.

The match was surrounded by controversy even before kickoff due to issues involving U.S. forward Folarin Balogun.

Balogun, who scored the winning goal in the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina (a 2-0 U.S. victory) on July 2, was sent off with a red card after stepping on the ankle of opponent Tarik Muharemovic during a challenge in the second half.

However, controversy persisted after FIFA made an unusual decision to suspend the execution of the red card suspension for one year, and reports emerged that U.S. President Donald Trump had requested a review of the disciplinary action from FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The U.S. started Balogun, who was cleared to play in today's match due to the suspension of the disciplinary action.

Belgium scored the opening goal just nine minutes into the match.

Nicolas Raskin picked up a second ball on the left side of the penalty area and sent in a low cross, which De Ketelaere tapped in to open the scoring.

Belgium conceded an equalizer to U.S. player Malik Tillman in the 31st minute of the first half.

Tillman struck a right-footed free kick into the net from a favorable position just behind the penalty arc, which was awarded after Balogun drew a foul.

Tillman has now scored free-kick goals in back-to-back matches, including the Round of 32.

However, Belgium regained the lead two minutes later as De Ketelaere headed in a cross from Trossard, ending the first half with a 2-1 advantage.

Belgium extended their lead in the 12th minute of the second half thanks to a critical error by U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese.

Freese came out to handle a long ball from the back but failed to clear it properly. De Ketelaere intercepted the ball and connected with Vanaken, who fired into an empty net to secure the goal.


In second-half stoppage time, veteran Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku also got on the scoresheet to celebrate the comprehensive victory.

Lukaku has scored in three consecutive matches, starting from the third group stage match against New Zealand on June 27, extending his record as Belgium's all-time leading goalscorer to 93 goals.

Balogun, who played despite the controversy, remained on the pitch for nearly the entire match, including stoppage time, but could not prevent the defeat, with a shot following a dribble down the left flank in the 37th minute of the second half being blocked by Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)