After a start to the tournament full of doubts, Belgium showed its best version at the most important moment. The Red Devils defeated the United States 4-1 with authority in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, driven by a brilliant performance by Charles De Ketelaere, who scored two goals to put qualification on track and confirm the clash against Spain in the next round.

Charles De Ketelaere leads Belgium's reaction

The Atalanta striker opened the scoring before 10 minutes and appeared again shortly after the United States' partial tie, scoring the double that restored peace to the team led by Rudi García.

The attacker responded to the coach's confidence in the most important match of the competition and was the main offensive figure of a Belgian team that had left doubts during the Group Stage and the round of 32.

Belgium imposes conditions and sentences the match

Although the United States found the tie through an unfortunate play for the Belgian defense, the European reaction was immediate.

Just two minutes after 1-1, Charles De Ketelaere regained the lead with a solid header and completely changed the course of the match.

In the second half, an error by goalkeeper Matt Freese allowed Hans Vanaken to extend the lead to 3-1, while Romelu Lukaku sealed the victory in stoppage time with his 93rd goal for the Belgian national team.

Amadou Onana's injury worries Belgium

It wasn't all good news for the Red Devils. During the first half, Amadou Onana left the field of play due to a right knee injury that puts his availability for the quarterfinals in doubt.

Although there is still no definitive diagnosis, the midfielder left the game with visible discomfort and his presence against Spain will depend on his evolution in the coming days.

Belgium will face Spain for a place in the semi-finals

With this victory, Belgium secured its place among the eight best teams in the 2026 World Cup and will now have one of the most demanding tests of the tournament.

Next Friday, the Red Devils will face Spain in Los Angeles, in a duel that promises to bring together two of the teams with the greatest offensive talent in the competition and that will grant a ticket to the semifinals of the tournament.