Belgium Eliminates Host USA with Convincing 4-1 Win at 2026 World Cup

Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 4-1 victory over host nation United States in Seattle on the night between Monday and Tuesday. The match was overshadowed before kickoff by a political controversy involving U.S. President Donald Trump, who intervened to overturn the suspension of American forward Paularin Balogon, allowing him to start the game. Despite this, the U.S. team delivered one of its weakest performances in the tournament.

Belgium dominated from the outset, taking the lead in the 9th minute when Charles De Ketelaere scored following a well-executed team move. The U.S. briefly equalized in the 33rd minute through an own goal by Hans Vanaken after a free kick by Malik Tillman, but Belgium quickly regained the lead two minutes later with a precise header from De Ketelaere.

The turning point came in the 57th minute when U.S. goalkeeper Matt Paris lost possession outside the box, allowing Onaku to score Belgium's third goal. Romelu Lukaku, coming off the bench, sealed the 4-1 win deep into stoppage time, continuing his strong form in the tournament. Belgium's emphatic victory sends a clear message as they move forward in the competition, while the U.S. exits the World Cup with significant disappointment despite high expectations as hosts.