In the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 knockout match held at 8 am today (July 7), hosts US took on the "Red Devils" of Belgium. Despite pre-match controversy over his red card suspension being temporarily stayed, US striker Balogun still started the game. In the end, Belgium defeated the USA 4-1 to advance to the quarter-finals.
First Half
Belgium launched a fierce attack right from the start. In the 9th minute, Nicolas Raskin (No. 23) assisted Charles De Ketelaere (No. 17), who scored to give Belgium a 1-0 lead!
In the 31st minute, the US won a free-kick just outside the box. Malik Tillman (No. 17) stepped up and fired a stunning "worldie" directly into the net, pulling the US level at 1-1.
Just two minutes later, in the 33rd minute, Belgium attacked down the left. Leandro Trossard (No. 10) delivered a cross, and De Ketelaere (No. 17) headed it home inside the box to complete his brace and restore Belgium's lead at 2-1.
Second Half
At the start of the second half, with the US trailing 1-2, they increased their defensive pressure and took control of possession. Belgium dropped deeper defensively and looked to counter on the break.
In the 57th minute, Belgium launched a long ball from the back. The US goalkeeper came out of his box to collect, but was disrupted by Belgium's De Ketelaere, whose pressure forced a clearance error straight to Hans Vanaken (No. 20), who calmly fired into the empty net from outside the box. Belgium extended their lead to 3-1.
In the 67th minute, Belgium made substitutions, bringing on Romelu Lukaku and Jérémy Doku for Charles De Ketelaere and Dodi Lukébakio.
After the water break in the second half, the US, trailing 1-3, intensified their forward pressure and attacks, creating several dangerous chances. But Belgium tightened their defense, and the US couldn't find a way through.
In the 93rd minute, another US defensive error gifted possession to Belgium. Lukaku received a pass inside the box and calmly slotted home to make it 4-1.
The match ended with Belgium defeating the US 4-1, securing their place in the quarter-finals where they will face Spain.
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