Belgium ends USA’s World Cup campaign at the round of 16
Belgium books a quarterfinal clash with Spain after a commanding 4-1 victory.
WASHINGTON — Belgium defeated the USA 4-1 to book a place in the quarterfinals, where they will face Spain. The Round of 16 came to an end on July 7, 2026, with 8 teams advancing to the quarterfinals after a series of knockout matches. The stadium was filled as thousands of fans came to watch the match between Belgium and the USA.
Belgian attacking midfielder Charles De Ketelaere was named Player of the Match after scoring twice to lead Belgium to a 4-1 victory over the USA. He scored in the 9th and 33rd minutes, marking his first and second goals of the tournament since the 2026 FIFA World Cup began.
Charles De Ketelaere (middle), of Belgium celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the World Cup round of 16 match against the USA in Seattle. Photo: Alex Grimm/Getty Images. © 2026 Getty Images.
Coach Rudi Garcia‘s decision to start Charles De Ketelaere paid off, as he delivered an outstanding performance. Normally, Romelu Lukaku starts, but he came off the bench later and scored Belgium’s fourth goal.
Both Belgium and the USA entered the Round of 16 hoping to win their first FIFA World Cup title. The United States got hope from Malik Tillman’s goal in the 31st minute to level the match 1-1. In return, Belgium dominated and dashed the USA’s hopes of reaching the quarterfinals by scoring three more goals.
After the final whistle, the stadium erupted in celebration as Belgian fans sang victory songs and waved flags while the USA players were left in tears after their World Cup dream came to an end.
Belgian coach Rudi Garcia later celebrated the victory on Instagram, writing: “It’s a truly accomplished performance that leads to a magnificent victory. Proud of my players who displayed great mastery and unwavering determination.”
The FIFA World Cup was hosted by three nations: Canada, Mexico, and the US. All hosts have been eliminated in the Round of 16. Canada was eliminated by Morocco, Mexico by England, and now the United States by Belgium.
“Reaching the quarter-finals means so much to me. It is a great deal. I'd like to thank our supporters for believing in us, for cheering us. The players have made the country proud, but we still have to go an extra mile because the task ahead of us is big. I believe we will still make Belgium proud even in the next level, " said Rudi Garcia during an interview with Zenger News.”
For the quarter-finals, France is set to face Morocco on July 9, Spain will face Belgium on July 10, Norway will face England on July 11, and Argentina will face Switzerland on July 11. The winners of the four matches will advance to the semi-finals, a third-place playoff, and the final.