SEATTLE, Wash. (Diya TV) — Belgium ended the United States’ FIFA World Cup dream with a commanding 4-1 victory on Monday, earning a place in the quarterfinals after a clinical display led by Charles De Ketelaere.
However, the match drew attention long before kickoff. Much of the focus centered on United States striker Folarin Balogun after FIFA lifted his one-match suspension. The decision came after President Donald Trump urged the governing body to review the ban. While the move sparked strong criticism from fans, former players, and analysts, Balogun started the match in front of a loud home crowd.
Belgium, meanwhile, ignored the outside noise and delivered one of its strongest performances of the tournament. De Ketelaere scored twice, while Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku added late goals to send Belgium into a quarterfinal meeting with Spain. The defeat also meant all three World Cup co-hosts — the United States, Canada, and Mexico — exited the tournament before the last eight.
Belgium struck early and never allowed the United States to settle into the game. In the ninth minute, Nicolas Raskin delivered a cross into the penalty area. The U.S. defense failed to clear the danger, and De Ketelaere calmly tapped the ball into the net from close range.
The early goal silenced most of the 67,000 fans inside the stadium. Until then, the crowd had created an electric atmosphere, especially after Balogun’s name appeared in the starting lineup. The loud cheers reflected the excitement surrounding his return after FIFA reversed the suspension.
The United States struggled to control possession during the opening half. Belgium dominated midfield, moved the ball quickly, and forced the American defense into several mistakes. Still, the hosts found a way back in the 30th minute.
Balogun earned a free kick just outside the penalty area after drawing a foul. Malik Tillman stepped forward and curled a powerful effort toward the goal. The ball took a deflection off the Belgian wall before finding the back of the net. The goal lifted the crowd and briefly shifted the momentum.
However, Belgium responded almost immediately. Just three minutes later, Leandro Trossard sent a precise cross into the box. De Ketelaere rose above Tim Ream and powered a header past goalkeeper Matt Freese to restore Belgium’s two-goal advantage.
The United States created a few chances before halftime. Balogun fired one effort over the crossbar and narrowly missed connecting with a long pass from Tillman. Even so, Belgium entered the break with full control of the contest.
After halftime, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino changed the team’s shape. Gio Reyna moved into a central attacking role, while Weston McKennie shifted to the right side. As a result, the Americans pressed higher and looked more aggressive during the opening minutes of the second half.
Nevertheless, a costly mistake ended any hopes of a comeback.
In the 57th minute, Freese rushed out to collect a long ball. He hesitated while trying to play out from the back. De Ketelaere quickly pressured him and poked the ball toward Hans Vanaken. With the goal left unprotected, Vanaken calmly scored from distance to make it 3-1.
Soon afterward, another setback followed for the United States. Christian Pulisic left the field with an injury, removing the team’s biggest attacking threat. Although substitute Sebastian Berhalter tested the Belgian defense with a long-range effort, Belgium remained comfortable.
Balogun also forced a save with a close-range attempt late in the match. Yet the United States failed to convert its remaining chances.
Then, in stoppage time, Chris Richards lost possession in a dangerous area. Lukaku immediately punished the mistake with a composed finish to complete the 4-1 victory and seal Belgium’s place in the next round.
Despite the result, the controversy surrounding Balogun’s suspension remained one of the tournament’s biggest talking points. FIFA’s decision to overturn the automatic ban generated widespread debate before kickoff and continued to attract attention after the final whistle.
Still, Belgium’s performance ultimately overshadowed the off-field discussion. The team showed composure, finished its chances, and capitalized on American mistakes throughout the match.
Belgium now turns its attention to a quarterfinal clash against Spain, while the United States leaves the World Cup after falling short of its goal of reaching the last eight for the first time since 2002.
