Belgium routs USA 4-1, advances to World Cup quarterfinals against Spain

Belgium secured a commanding 4-1 victory over the United States in the World Cup Round of 16 on July 7, 2026, in Seattle, advancing to a quarterfinal matchup against unbeaten Spain. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice in the first half, while Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku added second-half goals to eliminate the host nation. The decisive win came amid international controversy over FIFA's decision to overturn Folarin Balogun's red card suspension, a move that prompted criticism from UEFA and sparked debate over competitive integrity.

Belgium players visibly celebrated the outcome with pointed references to the Balogun decision. Several players mimicked U.S. President Donald Trump's signature dance moves after the fourth goal, while the team's official social media account posted "Overturn this"—a direct reference to both the Balogun ruling and Trump's confirmed involvement in requesting FIFA review the suspension. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stated the team felt disrespected by pre-match commentary suggesting the USA could beat Belgium easily. Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin acknowledged "a sense of injustice" within the squad, though head coach Rudi Garcia emphasized the team's focus remained on executing their game plan regardless of off-field events. Garcia also noted that Balogun approached him after the match; Garcia reassured him he bore no responsibility for the situation.

Belgium's Belgian Football Association (RBFA) released a formal statement on July 8 reaffirming its commitment to advocating for a review of FIFA's disciplinary regulations and their consistent application, citing principles of legal certainty, transparency, equal treatment, and fair play. The association noted its unsuccessful appeal against the Balogun decision. UEFA had previously stated FIFA had "crossed a red line" in allowing Balogun to play, putting the "integrity of the game at stake." FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the independence of the disciplinary committee's decision.

Belgium trained in the Los Angeles area on Wednesday following the victory, preparing for the quarterfinal against Spain on Friday at SoFi Stadium. Spain remains undefeated and has conceded no goals in the tournament. Courtois expressed confidence despite being underdogs, referencing Belgium's 2-1 upset victory over Brazil in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He also noted Belgium's momentum-building 3-2 comeback victory over Senegal in the Round of 32. The team relocated its training base from Loyola Marymount University to alternative facilities after determining the assigned fields did not meet minimum standards, a move approved by FIFA.