Belgium dominates joint host nation USA with 4-1 victory, securing spot in World Cup quarterfinals

The Belgians' victory has set up a quarter-final showdown with Spain, while the US has been eliminated from the tournament along with co-hosts Canada and Mexico after a lackluster performance in the round of 16.

n

Pre-game attention had focused on Balogun's inclusion in the US starting lineup, following a controversial decision by FIFA to review and overturn his one-game suspension for a red card, which had been requested by US President Donald Trump.

n

Belgium's starting XI also held some surprises, with notable omissions including Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku, but coach Rudi Garcia's tactics ultimately paid off.

n

De Ketelaere scored an early goal, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to give Belgium the lead, and although Malik Tillman equalized with a free kick, De Ketelaere quickly restored Belgium's advantage.

n

A critical error by Matt Freese and a late goal from Romelu Lukaku sealed the US's fate, leaving them with no chance of recovery.

n

FIFA's decision to suspend Balogun's ban, imposed after his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, has sparked widespread criticism from fans, pundits, and players globally.

n

Despite this, the Seattle crowd gave Balogun a thunderous welcome when his name was announced in the starting lineup, far surpassing the applause for US star Christian Pulisic.

n

The initial "USA" chant was soon drowned out, however, as the majority of the 67,000 fans fell silent when De Ketelaere scored in the ninth minute, marking the first time the US had conceded the opening goal in the World Cup.

n

The American team's atmosphere and performance were deflated, with no immediate signs of a fightback, and the midfield and defense appeared outgunned and nervous.

n

Balogun drew a foul on the edge of the area on the half-hour mark, sparking the crowd back to life, and Malik Tillman scored from the resulting free kick, sending the stadium into a frenzy.

n

However, the US's joy was short-lived, as De Ketelaere scored his second goal just minutes later, meeting Leandro Trossard's cross and outjumping Tim Ream.

n

As the first half drew to a close, the US regained some momentum, with Balogun narrowly missing a long ball and blasting a shot over the bar.

n

US coach Mauricio Pochettino made adjustments at half-time, introducing Gio Reyna and shifting Weston McKennie to the right, and the team resumed play with increased intensity.

n

Disaster struck in the 57th minute, however, when Freese hesitated with a pass after coming out to collect a long ball, allowing De Ketelaere to jab the ball to Hans Vanaken, who scored from long range.

n

Pulisic limped off with an injury shortly after, and the US's hopes of reaching their first World Cup quarter-final since 2002 began to slip away.

n

Sebastian Berhalter, Pulisic's replacement, flashed a shot narrowly wide in the 79th minute, and Balogun had a close-range effort saved soon after, but the US was unable to mount a comeback.

n

In stoppage time, Chris Richards handed the ball to Lukaku, who sealed the rout with a clinical finish, ending the US's World Cup campaign.