Belgium defeated co-hosts USA 3-1 on Tuesday to book a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite the backing of a vociferous home crowd at Seattle Stadium in Washington, the Belgians took an early lead in the ninth minute through Charles De Ketelaere.
The USA restored parity in the 31st minute when Mark Tillman’s deflected effort found the back of the net, sending the home fans into celebration.
However, the celebrations were short-lived as Belgium regained the lead just a minute later, with De Ketelaere completing his brace.
Hans Vanaken scored the third goal in the 57th minute of the game while Romelu Lukaku sealed the victory, scoring Belgium’s fourth goal to end the co-hosts’ World Cup campaign.
The Americans’ defeat means all three host nations have now exited the tournament. Canada and Mexico had earlier been eliminated in the round of 16 by Morocco and England, respectively.
Belgium will now face Spain in an all-European quarter-final showdown.
