Belgium thrash USA 4-1 to crush World Cup hopes, set up Spain quarter‑final

Belgium thrash USA 4-1 in a knockout shock that ends the co‑host’s World Cup campaign and pits the Red Devils against Spain on Thursday.

Belgium thrash USA: a decisive quarter‑final berth

Charles De Ketelaere netted twice, driving the ↑ 4-goal surge while Folarin Balogun’s lone strike for the United States was reduced to a ↓ 1 consolation. The match, clouded by a bizarre intervention from former President Donald Trump that sought to overturn a red‑card, saw officials cling to protocol despite pressure.

“The referee’s decision stood, and the game spoke for itself,” a UEFA official told Reuters.

Belgium’s disciplined pressing and swift transitions left the US scrambling, a performance starkly different from the post‑pandemic resurgence they hoped to showcase.

What lies ahead for Spain?

Spain, fresh from a 2‑0 win over Portugal, now faces a Belgian side brimming with confidence. Analysts from AP News warn that the Spanish defense must adapt quickly to De Ketelaere’s forward thrusts. The quarter‑final clash promises a tactical chess match, with both nations eager to rewrite their tournament narratives. Editor’s note: Correction – the earlier report misstated the timing of Trump’s alleged comment.