Belgium answered a stormy build-up with a dominant display, beating the United States 4-1 in the World Cup last 16. The result ended the co-hosts’ campaign and sent Belgium into the quarter-finals, where Spain await, after days of anger about Folarin Balogun’s delayed one-match suspension.

Charles De Ketelaere struck twice, either side of Malik Tillman’s free-kick for the United States. Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku added late goals that confirmed Belgium’s control. The win came at a cost, though, with Amadou Onana reportedly suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury during the first half in Los Angeles.

The match followed sharp debate over FIFA’s move to postpone Balogun’s one-game ban, earned after a red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina. USA President Donald Trump said he requested a review of the ruling. The Belgian FA said they were astonished by the change, while Rudi Garcia compared the timing to April Fool’s Day.

Nicolas Raskin described how events affected the group over the previous 48 hours. “A lot has happened off the pitch over the last two days,” said Nicolas Raskin. “There was a sense of injustice within the squad, and we were determined to respond on the field.” Captain Youri Tielemans echoed that message, saying: “We told ourselves we had to respond on the pitch. That’s what we did.”

Garcia stressed that Belgium tried to shut out the controversy once the match started. “What really mattered to us was our game plan. We wanted to dominate the game, avoid their pressing and play higher up,” he said. Garcia highlighted the squad’s attitude, adding: “We played with mastery, with willingness and dedication. It was a great night for us and a great qualification for the quarter-finals.”

The coach explained how the squad handled the Balogun situation before kick-off. “We told them about what was happening [with Balogun]. The group is very mature. We have leaders to help us go through that. I told them that what mattered the most was us. Our team trying to set the game principles, whether it’s attack or defence. We were also underlining the strength and weaknesses of the opponent, but we’re not analysing anything more. We’re not adapting to the opponent. That’s not my style as a coach.”

World Cup Belgium quarter-final records and substitute impact

The victory meant Belgium reached the World Cup quarter-final for the fourth time, and for the third time in the last four tournaments, after 2014 and 2018. Belgium also continued a strong pattern in knockout ties against non-UEFA opponents, progressing in five of the last six such matches, including the last four.

Garcia’s use of the bench again shaped the result. Goals from Vanaken and Lukaku were the fourth and fifth scored by Belgian substitutes at the 2026 World Cup, more than any other team so far. Their impact backed Garcia’s insistence on a clear Belgium identity, regardless of opponent or controversy around disciplinary decisions.

Belgium now prepare to meet Spain in Los Angeles for a place in the semi-finals, carrying confidence from the United States win but concerns over Onana’s fitness. The squad’s response to the Balogun decision, and the effective contribution from substitutes, leaves Belgium in a strong sporting position heading into the next World Cup test.