Belgium – De Ketelaere Double Sends Red Devils Past USA in Seattle
Belgium – Belgium secured a commanding 4-1 win over co-hosts USA at Seattle Stadium to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice in an impressive attacking display. Hans Vanaken added Belgium’s third goal before substitute Romelu Lukaku sealed the result in stoppage time.
Belgium extend unbeaten run under Rudi Garcia
The victory continued Belgium’s strong run under head coach Rudi Garcia. The Red Devils have remained unbeaten since their 3-1 loss to Ukraine on March 20, 2025, in the UEFA Nations League promotion and relegation play-offs.
Since that defeat, Belgium have recorded 12 wins and six draws in matches across World Cup competition, qualifying fixtures, Nations League play-offs and friendlies. Their recent form has been built on consistent scoring, with the team registering a goal difference of plus 40 during that period.
USA struggle against early Belgian pressure
The United States entered the match hoping to become the last remaining co-host nation in the tournament, following the earlier Round of 16 exits of Canada and Mexico. However, Mauricio Pochettino’s side found themselves under pressure from the opening stages.
Belgium created the first major chance when Timothy Castagne struck from outside the penalty area, forcing goalkeeper Matt Freese into a full-stretch save. The early warning was followed by another close moment as Youri Tielemans narrowly missed Dodi Lukebakio’s cross.
Belgium eventually broke through after sustained pressure. Leandro Trossard delivered a dangerous ball into the area, creating confusion in the USA defence. Nicolas Raskin then drove the ball across goal, allowing De Ketelaere to finish from close range.
Tillman briefly restores hope for United States
The USA found an unexpected route back into the contest in the 31st minute. Malik Tillman’s free-kick took a deflection and wrong-footed Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, bringing the score level and lifting the home supporters.
The response from Belgium was immediate. Just 116 seconds after Tillman’s equaliser, Trossard again delivered from the left flank. De Ketelaere rose above the defence and headed the ball into the net to restore Belgium’s advantage before half-time.
The goal shifted the momentum back in Belgium’s favour and left the USA with a difficult second half ahead.
Vanaken capitalises on defensive mistake
The match moved further away from the United States shortly before the hour mark. Freese rushed outside his penalty area in an attempt to clear the ball but failed to make contact. De Ketelaere reacted quickly to take possession, and Belgium continued the attack.
Vanaken then struck from distance, with his effort beating Tim Ream’s attempted block and rolling into the unguarded net. The goal gave Belgium a two-goal cushion and placed the USA under even greater pressure.
Lukaku completes convincing Belgium victory
Despite the setback, the United States continued to push forward in the final stages. Substitute Sebastian Berhalter sent an effort wide, while Folarin Balogun was denied twice by Courtois as the USA searched for a route back into the game.
Belgium remained composed in defence and added a fourth goal during stoppage time. Lukaku reacted to a loose clearance inside the area and finished confidently to complete the scoring.
The defeat marked another difficult result for the United States against Belgium. The teams had met seven times before this match, with the USA’s only victory coming in a 3-0 result at the 1930 World Cup in Montevideo. The latest loss extended the Americans’ losing sequence against the Red Devils.
Belgium will now face Spain in the quarter-finals at Los Angeles Stadium on July 11. Spain advanced after eliminating Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, in the previous round.