Afghanistan, July 7 -- Belgium booked a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an emphatic 4-1 victory over the United States on Monday, as Charles De Ketelaere scored twice to help the Red Devils eliminate one of the tournament's co-hosts and set up a last-eight meeting with Spain.
Belgium dominated large stretches of the Round of 16 contest, recovering quickly after a brief U.S. response before taking firm control with clinical finishing and disciplined defending.
De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the ninth minute, finishing confidently after Belgium capitalized on sustained early pressure. The United States responded through Malik Tillman, whose well-struck free kick restored parity and briefly lifted the home cro...