Belgium booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals with an emphatic 4-1 victory over the United States, in a match that was overshadowed by controversy even before kick-off.

The build-up centred on Folarin Balogun, who was originally expected to miss the fixture after receiving a straight red card in the previous round. However, FIFA overturned his suspension, prompting widespread debate across the football community. Reports surrounding the decision also referenced a conversation between Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino, adding further attention to an already high-profile encounter.

Once the action got underway, Belgium wasted little time asserting their dominance. Inside the opening minute, Timothy Castagne unleashed a powerful long-range effort destined for the top corner, only for Matt Freese to produce an outstanding save.

The breakthrough arrived in the ninth minute. Nicolas Raskin reacted quickest to a loose ball and squared it into the six-yard box, where Charles De Ketelaere was left unmarked to fire home from close range.

The United States responded midway through the first half. Folarin Balogun won a dangerous free-kick in a central position, and Malik Tillman's strike took a decisive deflection off Hans Vanaken, leaving Thibaut Courtois with no chance as the ball found the net.

Any hopes of a comeback were quickly extinguished. Moments later, Leandro Trossard delivered an inviting cross and Charles De Ketelaere rose highest to head past Matt Freese, restoring Belgium's two-goal advantage and completing his brace.

Belgium extended their lead in the 57th minute following a costly mistake from the American goalkeeper. Matt Freese rushed outside his penalty area in an attempt to intercept the ball, but Charles De Ketelaere managed to poke it into the path of Hans Vanaken, who calmly dispatched a long-range finish into the unguarded net.

The United States continued to battle until the end, with opportunities falling to Brian White and Folarin Balogun. White narrowly missed the target, while Balogun was denied by an excellent save from Thibaut Courtois.

Deep into stoppage time, Romelu Lukaku added the finishing touch. After Belgium won possession high up the pitch, the striker drilled a precise low finish into the far corner to complete a commanding 4-1 victory.

World Cup 2026

USA - Belgium 1:4 (1:2)
Goals: De Ketelaere, 9 (0:1); Tillman M., 30 (1:1); De Ketelaere, 33 (1:2); Vanaken, 57 (1:3); Lukaku R., 93 (1:4)

USA: Freese; Ream; Dest S. (Reyna G., 46); Freeman; Robinson A. (Arfsten, 92); Richards Chr.; Adams T. (Pepi, 72); McKennie; Pulisic (Berhalter, 59); Tillman M.; Balogun F. (Wright H., 92)
Substitution: Reyna G. (from 46); Berhalter (from 59); Pepi (from 72); Arfsten (from 92); Wright H. (from 92)
Bench: Turner M.; Brady; Trusty; Robinson M.; McKenzie M.; Scally J.; Aaronson; Zendejas; Weah
Yellow Cards: McKennie 35; Tillman M. 69

Belgium: Courtois; Castagne; Onana A. (Vanaken, 21); Mechele; De Cuyper; Ngoy N.; Tielemans; De Ketelaere (Lukaku R., 67); Raskin (Witsel, 89); Lukebakio (Doku J., 67); Trossard (Saelemaekers, 89)
Substitution: Vanaken (from 21); Doku J. (from 67); Lukaku R. (from 67); Witsel (from 89); Saelemaekers (from 89)
Bench: Lammens; Penders; De Winter K.; Seys; Debast; Theate; Meunier; De Bruyne; Moreira D.; Fernandez Pardo