Belgium rout USA to reach the quarter-finals as the last host falls

Belgium delivered a ruthless reality check to the United States, winning 4-1 at Lumen Field to storm into the quarter-finals and end the co-hosts' campaign. Charles De Ketelaere's brace led the way as Rudi Garcia's side punished a USA team that had ridden belief and resilience to this stage but were outclassed on the night. With their exit, all three host nations — Canada, Mexico and the USA — are now out of their own tournament.

Match summary: De Ketelaere twice, Tillman's brief hope, Belgium pull clear

Belgium struck early through De Ketelaere on 9 minutes, but the USA responded in style when Malik Tillman curled home a brilliant free-kick — his second of the tournament — to level on 31. The parity lasted just a minute: De Ketelaere completed his brace on 32, getting in behind the American defence to restore the lead. Belgium took control after the break, Hans Vanaken making it 3-1 around the hour mark after a costly defensive error involving Matt Freese and Tim Ream, before Romelu Lukaku applied the dagger deep in stoppage time for 4-1.

A reality check and a historic host exit

For the USA it was a chastening end. Mauricio Pochettino's side, already without the suspended Folarin Balogun, were undone by Belgian quality and their own errors, with Christian Pulisic among those who struggled to influence the game. That all three co-hosts have now exited is a notable milestone at a home World Cup that promised so much for North America. For Belgium, it was a statement: De Ketelaere the star, Lukaku the finisher, and a side building momentum at the right time.

Belgium to meet Spain in the quarter-finals

Belgium advance to a quarter-final against Spain on July 10 at SoFi Stadium, a heavyweight European clash with a semi-final place on offer. On this evidence Belgium will fear no one. The USA's home tournament is over, a bitter reality check after a spirited run; Belgium roll on, ruthless and rising.