Hard, Belgium Eliminated the US with 4-1, Challenged Spain in the 2026 World Cup Quarterfinals

The Belgian squad was too powerful for the United States, in normal time they were able to score 4 goals and the Americans were only able to score 1 goal. Furthermore, Belgium advanced to the 2026 World Cup quarter finals. (Instagram @fifaworldcup)

JAKARTA - Belgium advanced to the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup after defeating the host United States (US) with a landslide score of 4-1 in the 16th round match in Seattle, Tuesday WIB.

The victory brought Belgium to face Spain in the quarter-finals at the Los Angeles Stadium on Saturday (11/7) WIB.

Belgium immediately took the initiative of the attack since the opening whistle was blown. US goalkeeper Matt Freese was forced to work hard by thwarting a number of opportunities, including Leandro Trossard's shot in the first minute.

Belgium's pressure finally bore fruit in the ninth minute. Charles De Ketelaere took advantage of the chaos in front of the goal after the AS backline failed to clear the ball perfectly, giving Belgium a 1-0 lead.

The US, who had trouble developing the game, tied the score in the 31st minute through a free kick from Malik Tillman. The ball, which hit Hans Vanaken, deceived goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois before going into the net to change the score to 1-1.

However, the advantage only lasted about a minute. In the 33rd minute, De Ketelaere again recorded his name on the scoreboard through a header using Leandro Trossard's cross, bringing Belgium back to lead 2-1 at halftime.

Entering the second half, the US appeared more aggressive after inserting Giovanni Reyna. However, it was Belgium who widened the lead in the 57th minute.

Matt Freese's mistake who came out of the penalty area and lost possession of the ball was taken advantage of by Hans Vanaken to score into an empty net, giving Belgium a 3-1 lead.

The US situation got even more difficult after captain Christian Pulisic had to be pulled out due to an injury in the 59th minute.

Belgium then included a number of star players, including Romelu Lukaku and Jeremy Doku, to maintain the intensity of the game.

The US tried to reduce the deficit in the remaining matches, but a number of opportunities failed to convert into goals thanks to Courtois' solid performance under the Belgian crossbar.

In extra time, Lukaku completed Belgium's victory through a goal in the 90th minute +3 after receiving a pass from Hans Vanaken. The goal ensured Belgium won convincingly 4-1 over the hosts.