Seattle, USA – The Belgium national team confirmed its candidacy for the 2026 FIFA World Cup title by authoritatively defeating the United States 4-1 in the round of 16, a result that secured its place in the quarterfinals, where it will face Spain next Friday in Los Angeles.
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The team led by Rudi García took control of the match from the first minutes. Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the 9th minute and appeared again in the 33rd to restore the lead for the Europeans, just two minutes after Malik Tillman’s temporary equalizer for the American team.
Belgium maintained dominance for much of the match and extended the lead in the 57th minute thanks to Hans Vanaken, who capitalized on a mistake by goalkeeper Matt Freese to make it 3-1 and secure the qualification.
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The situation became even more complicated for the United States with the departure of their captain Christian Pulisic due to injury, while Belgium also suffered the early loss of Amadou Onana due to discomfort in his right knee.
Already in stoppage time, Romelu Lukaku sealed the rout with the definitive 4-1, reaching 93 goals for the Belgian national team. The striker celebrated his goal by showing Onana’s jersey as a gesture of support for his injured teammate.
With this resounding victory, Belgium advances with confidence to the quarterfinals, a stage in which they will star in one of the most attractive duels of the tournament against Spain, in search of a ticket to the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup.
