In Seattle, Belgium dashed the United States’ aspirations for a significant World Cup journey at home with a decisive 4-1 victory on Monday night. Charles De Ketelaere played a crucial role, scoring twice and assisting a goal, exposing America’s defensive vulnerabilities. This result secured Belgium a spot in the tournament quarterfinals.

The U.S. team saw the return of star forward Folarin Balogun after FIFA unexpectedly lifted his one-game red-card suspension. Despite Balogun’s presence, American defenders made critical mistakes, leading to two early goals by Belgium. A blunder by U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese led to Belgium’s third goal early in the second half.

Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku, coming off the bench, sealed the match with a fourth goal in stoppage time. Belgium will now face Spain on Friday in Inglewood, California.

Malik Tillman managed to level the score for the United States at 1-1 midway through the first half with his second free-kick goal of the tournament. However, the U.S. conceded another goal merely 61 seconds after the subsequent kickoff.

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed his frustration during the match by kicking a rack, which sent four water bottles flying from the bench area.