Charles De Ketalaere scored twice as Belgium thumped the US hosts 4-1 in their World Cup last-16 clash in Seattle. The buildup to the match was overshadowed by a row raging over US President Donald Trump’s extraordinary intervention to earn a red-card reprieve for striker Folarin Balogun.
Balogun, the US team’s outstanding player at the World Cup so far, had been set to miss the game against Belgium after receiving a red card in the victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the previous round.
But on Sunday FIFA said it was suspending the card, sparking a furore as Trump confirmed he had contacted its boss Gianni Infantino directly about the red card.
Read moreWorld Cup 2026: All the fixtures
Full time! USA 1-4 Belgium!
GOAL! Lukako scores Belgium’s fourth!
Four minutes of added time
The World Cup dream is fast fading away for Team USA.
Richards with a crucial block
Doku launches a Belgian counter and offloads to Lukaku, who can’t get a shot.
Trossard can but Richards blocks.
Courtois denies Balogun
Balogun races down the left and tries to fire past Courtois on his near post but the Belgian keeper parries.
It’s now or never for the hosts.
Chance for USA!
The ball is headed clear in the Belgium box and falls to Berhalter, whose lovely shot is inches wide of Courtois’ post.
Pepi comes on
Pochettino tries to revive the hosts’ attack by bringing on Ricardo Pepi.
That third Belgium goal has really killed their momentum.
Enter Lukaku and Doku
De Ketelaere and Lukebakio come off, the former with a famous brace.
Freese makes a mess of it. Credit: Artur Marcarian, Reuters
Pulisic comes off
A further blow for USA as their star player comes off injured.
He’s replaced by Berhalter.
GOAL! Belgium extend their lead!
Disaster for USA!
Freese deserts the posts to clear the ball but misses it completely. It falls to Vanaken who slots it home.
Shambolic defending from the hosts.
Pulisic pipped to the ball
Pulisic is about to shoot from the edge of the box when Tielemans gets a foot in front.
The American wants a foul but the referee waves him away.
A brighter start for USA
The hosts are at least showing more intent.
We’re off again!
Reyna is on for Dest, who has not had a good game.
Belgium’s tribute to Magritte
Half-time reading
Here’s what happened earlier on at the Dallas Stadium.
Spain await either the USA or Belgium.
Half-time!
A sobering first half for the hosts.
And easily the best 45 minutes Belgium have produced in this tournament.
Balogun looking lively
USMNT are relying on long balls for the sprinting Balogun, who almost latches onto one but Courtois gets there first.
He then wins a corner from another run but it’s hit straight at the Belgium keeper.
Six minutes of added time
Lukebakio fluffs another chance
De Cuyper curls in a beautiful free-kick but Lukebakio sends his header wide.
It could easily have been a third for Belgium, who look like scoring every time they go forward.
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