Seattle: Belgium have emphatically ended the United States' World Cup journey, securing a clinical 4-1 victory in their Round of 16 clash at Seattle Stadium on Tuesday (IST). The result eliminates the tournament co-hosts and sees the Red Devils progress to a quarter-final meeting with Spain.

The match began with early intensity as Charles De Ketelaere capitalised on a defensive lapse to put Belgium ahead in the ninth minute. Although the United States momentarily found a route back into the game when Malik Tillman scored from a direct free-kick in the 31st minute—his second such goal in consecutive matches—the parity was short-lived. Just two minutes later, De Ketelaere restored Belgium’s advantage with a well-taken header, effectively silencing the home crowd.

The second half saw Belgium solidify their dominance. In the 57th minute, a mistake by US goalkeeper Matt Freese, who rushed out of his area only to lose possession, allowed Hans Vanaken to extend the lead to 3-1. Romelu Lukaku provided the final flourish in added time, finishing smartly to confirm a comprehensive victory for the European side.

Reporting for The Guardian, Alexander Abnos described the US performance as "ragged," noting that the hosts appeared "nervy and unsettled from the start." The defeat marks the exit of all three 2026 co-hosts—Mexico, the US, and Canada—from the tournament.

The buildup to the encounter had been dominated by controversy surrounding US striker Folarin Balogun. Despite receiving a red card in the previous round, Balogun was cleared to start following an intervention by FIFA to suspend his automatic one-game ban, a decision that triggered widespread backlash across the football world.

Ultimately, however, Belgium’s clinical edge proved decisive. With Spain now confirmed as their next opponents, the Red Devils will look to carry this momentum into what promises to be a testing quarter-final encounter.