Belgium Defeats USA 4-1 to Reach World Cup Quarterfinal Against Spain
5 verified5 unconfirmed
Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 in the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup on July 7, 2026, eliminating the co-hosts from the tournament. The match at Lumen Field in Seattle was played under controversy after U.S. striker Folarin Balogun had his red card from the previous game rescinded, a decision that President Donald Trump confirmed he lobbied FIFA to review. Belgium capitalized on defensive mistakes by the U.S. side, including a critical error by goalkeeper Matt Freese that allowed Hans Vanaken to score. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice in the first half, while Malik Tillman scored the only U.S. goal on a deflected free-kick. Romelu Lukaku added a fourth goal for Belgium in stoppage time. The win set up a quarterfinal match against Spain for Belgium. The loss ended U.S. hopes of advancing deep into the tournament on home soil.
What’s verified
Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Belgium will face Spain in the quarter-finals.
Folarin Balogun’s red card from a previous match was rescinded, allowing him to play.
President Donald Trump confirmed he lobbied FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding Balogun’s red card.
U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese made an error that gifted Belgium’s Hans Vanaken a goal.
Not yet confirmed
Whether the controversy surrounding Balogun’s red card affected the U.S. team’s performance or motivated Belgium (single source).
Full goal details, including that Charles De Ketelaere scored in the 9th and 33rd minutes and that Malik Tillman scored in the 31st minute, came from only one source.
Attendance figure of 66,925 at Lumen Field came from only one source.
Quotes from U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino, Folarin Balogun, and Belgium manager Rudi Garcia came from only one source.
Fox Sports announcers John Strong and Stu Holden urged American viewers to continue watching soccer after the U.S. loss (single source).
Key figures
Folarin Balogun (U.S. striker)
Matt Freese (U.S. goalkeeper)
Hans Vanaken (Belgium midfielder)
Charles De Ketelaere (Belgium forward)
Romelu Lukaku (Belgium forward)
Mauricio Pochettino (U.S. manager)
Rudi Garcia (Belgium manager)
Donald Trump (U.S. President)
Gianni Infantino (FIFA President)
John Strong (Fox Sports play-by-play announcer)
Stu Holden (Fox Sports analyst)
Sources: BBC News, Sky Sports, The Hollywood Reporter
