Charles De Ketelaere Belgium Knock USA Out of FIFA World Cup

Charles De Ketelaere scored twice as Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 on Monday to book a place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals and end the hosts’ campaign.

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Belgium will now face Spain in the last eight after producing a clinical display against the Americans, who exited the tournament in the Round of 16 alongside fellow co-hosts Canada and Mexico.

De Ketelaere Gives Belgium Control

Belgium made a fast start and took the lead in the ninth minute.

Charles De Ketelaere finished from close range after Nicolas Raskin’s cross found him unmarked inside the penalty area.

The goal silenced the home crowd and gave Belgium early control of the match.

USA Respond Before Belgium Strike Again

The United States equalised in the 30th minute when Malik Tillman scored from a free kick that deflected off the Belgian wall.

Belgium restored their advantage just three minutes later.

Leandro Trossard delivered a cross into the box, and De Ketelaere headed home his second goal of the match.

Goalkeeping Error Ends USA Hopes

The United States started the second half with greater intensity, but a costly mistake changed the game.

Goalkeeper Matt Freese hesitated while attempting to clear the ball. De Ketelaere capitalised on the error before Hans Vanaken scored into an empty net to make it 3-1.

The setback left the Americans chasing the game.

Lukaku Seals the Victory

United States captain Christian Pulisic later left the field with an injury, further damaging the hosts’ hopes of a comeback.

Folarin Balogun created several chances but failed to find the net.

In stoppage time, Chris Richards lost possession, allowing Romelu Lukaku to score Belgium’s fourth goal and complete a convincing victory.

Balogun Decision Remains Controversial

The match followed widespread debate over Folarin Balogun’s eligibility.

FIFA overturned the striker’s automatic one-match suspension after his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The decision drew criticism from fans, pundits and football officials before the Round of 16 match.

Despite Balogun’s return, Belgium delivered the stronger performance and secured a deserved place in the World Cup quarter-finals.