Belgium triumphed over the United States, one of the co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup, with a decisive 4-1 victory, advancing to the quarterfinals.
The match took place on July 7 at Seattle Stadium in Washington state. Belgium, which faced elimination in the group stage during the previous 2022 Qatar tournament, successfully redeemed itself by reaching the quarterfinals this time. The team aims to replicate its best-ever finish of third place from the 2018 Russia World Cup.
Belgium will face Spain, which defeated Portugal 1-0, in the quarterfinals on July 11.
Despite overwhelming support from home fans, the U.S. failed to advance to the quarterfinals. This result means that all three co-hosting nations—United States, Mexico, and Canada—were eliminated in the round of 16.
The match garnered significant attention even before kickoff due to the 'suspension reprieve controversy.' U.S. forward Folarin Balogun received a red card in the round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 2, which typically would have barred him from participating in the round of 16. However, FIFA made an unusual decision to suspend the enforcement of the penalty for one year, allowing him to play. Reports indicated that President Donald Trump had requested FIFA President Gianni Infantino to reconsider the suspension, leading to allegations of 'home country favoritism' after Trump expressed gratitude to FIFA on social media.
Amid the controversy, the U.S. started Balogun, but Belgium seized control early in the match. In the 9th minute, Nicolas Laskin broke through on the left side of the penalty area and assisted Charles De Ketelaere, who calmly scored the opening goal.
Belgium allowed an equalizer in the 31st minute when Malik Tillman scored from a sharp direct free kick. However, just two minutes later, in the 33rd minute, De Ketelaere headed in a cross from Leandro Trossard, restoring Belgium's lead to 2-1 at halftime.
In the 57th minute, Belgium capitalized on a mistake by U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese, who was pressured by De Ketelaere while attempting to clear the ball. Hans Vanaken calmly slotted the loose ball into the empty net, extending the lead.
Belgium sealed the victory in stoppage time with a goal from Romelu Lukaku, who received a pass from Vanaken and finished with a precise right-footed shot for Belgium's fourth goal.
Balogun, who benefited from the suspension reprieve and played nearly the entire match, attempted three shots but was unable to score, unable to prevent his team's heavy defeat.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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