FIFA World Cup 2026: Belgium set up Spain quarter-final showdown

Belgium have set up one of the most anticipated quarter-final clashes of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after cruising to a comprehensive 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States in their Round of 16 encounter on Tuesday morning.

A clinical display spearheaded by Charles De Ketelaere saw the Red Devils brush aside the hosts to book a last-eight meeting with Spain, who earlier secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal courtesy of Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time winner. Blueprint reports

De Ketelaere struck twice in the opening half before Hans Vanaken and substitute Romelu Lukaku completed the rout in the second period, ensuring Belgium remained firmly on course for a first World Cup title.

For the United States, the defeat marked the end of an impressive campaign under Mauricio Pochettino, who guided the Americans to their best World Cup performance in more than two decades but could not find a way past one of Europe’s most experienced sides.

The result also confirmed the elimination of all three tournament co-hosts-United States, Canada and Mexico-before the quarter-final stage.

Belgium stamp authority early

Belgium needed just nine minutes to underline their intentions.

After dominating possession in the opening exchanges, Nicolas Raskin burst into space down the right before delivering a low cross into the six-yard area, where De Ketelaere arrived unmarked to slot past goalkeeper Matt Freese.

The early breakthrough gave Belgium complete control as Rudi Garcia’s side dictated the tempo with crisp passing and intelligent movement, forcing the Americans to spend long periods defending deep inside their own half.

Despite struggling to gain a foothold, the hosts gradually grew into the contest and were rewarded in the 31st minute.

Folarin Balogun won a free-kick just outside the Belgian penalty area after drawing a foul from Wout Faes. Malik Tillman stepped up and curled a superb effort that took a slight deflection before beating Thibaut Courtois to level the score.

It was Tillman’s second direct free-kick goal of the tournament and momentarily ignited the home supporters, who sensed the possibility of another famous comeback.

However, Belgium responded with the composure expected of one of Europe’s elite nations.

Only two minutes after conceding, Leandro Trossard delivered a teasing cross into the penalty area, where De Ketelaere rose above his marker to head beyond Freese and restore Belgium’s advantage before halftime.

American hopes fade after costly error

Any realistic hopes of a United States comeback disappeared shortly after the restart following a costly mistake from goalkeeper Matt Freese.

Attempting to sweep up a loose ball outside his penalty area, Freese hesitated under pressure from De Ketelaere and failed to clear convincingly.

The Belgian forward calmly collected possession before squaring for Hans Vanaken, who rolled the ball into an empty net in the 57th minute to make it 3-1.

The goal visibly deflated the Americans, whose attacking rhythm disappeared as Belgium tightened their grip on the contest.

Pochettino responded with several substitutions in search of inspiration, introducing fresh attacking options as the hosts chased the game.

Sebastian Berhalter came closest with a powerful long-range effort that forced Courtois into a fine save, while Balogun also tested the Belgian goalkeeper late on.

Belgium, however, remained organised defensively and looked dangerous whenever they broke forward.

Their superiority was rewarded again deep into stoppage time when Vanaken released Romelu Lukaku, who finished confidently to complete an emphatic 4-1 victory and underline Belgium’s status as genuine title contenders. fifa.com

Balogun unable to justify FIFA decision

The build-up to the match had been overshadowed by controversy following FIFA’s decision to overturn the one-match suspension handed to Folarin Balogun after his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The decision reportedly came after calls by United States President Donald Trump for a review and triggered criticism from UEFA and several European football associations, who questioned FIFA’s handling of the disciplinary process.

Balogun made an immediate contribution by winning the free-kick that led to Tillman’s equaliser, but beyond that moment the striker found Belgium’s disciplined defence difficult to break down.

Marshalled expertly by Wout Faes and Zeno Debast, Belgium restricted the American attack for much of the contest, with Courtois rarely called into sustained action.

In the end, Balogun’s reinstatement failed to influence the outcome as Belgium comfortably progressed to the last eight.

Spain await in heavyweight encounter

Belgium’s reward is a mouthwatering quarter-final showdown with Spain in what promises to be one of the marquee fixtures of the tournament.

Spain needed a dramatic stoppage-time winner from Mikel Merino to eliminate neighbours Portugal in an intense Iberian derby, extending their unbeaten run and reinforcing their credentials as one of the favourites for the title.

Belgium, meanwhile, have steadily gathered momentum throughout the competition, combining attacking efficiency with defensive discipline.

Garcia’s side have looked increasingly convincing with every match, while experienced figures such as Courtois and Lukaku have complemented the youthful brilliance of De Ketelaere, Trossard and Raskin.

The quarter-final will also revive a growing rivalry between two of Europe’s football heavyweights, with both nations boasting technically gifted squads and ambitions of lifting the World Cup trophy.

For Belgium’s so-called “new golden generation,” defeating Spain would represent another major statement of intent after dispatching the tournament hosts with such authority.

Hosts leave with renewed optimism

Although their World Cup dream ended in Seattle, the United States leave the tournament with reasons for optimism.

Under Pochettino, the Americans topped their group with victories over Paraguay and Australia before defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina to secure the nation’s first World Cup knockout-stage victory since 2002.

They also finished the competition with 11 goals, their highest tally in a single World Cup campaign, reflecting the attacking improvements made under the Argentine coach.

The performances of Tillman, Balogun, Berhalter and goalkeeper Freese offered further encouragement for a squad that combined youthful energy with growing tactical maturity.

Nevertheless, Belgium exposed the gap that still exists between the United States and the world’s elite football nations.

As attention now turns to the quarter-finals, Belgium will head into their meeting with Spain full of confidence after producing one of the most convincing performances of the knockout stage, while Spain arrive equally buoyant following their dramatic victory over Portugal.

With both teams in impressive form and a place in the semi-finals at stake, the encounter is widely expected to be one of the defining matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.