Mistakes cost US a shot at quarterfinals as Belgium rolls through 4-1

Belgium took advantage of several mistakes from the U.S. defense to cruise their way to the quarterfinals against Spain.

Belgium came out early, with Timothy Castagne taking a strike from distance and forcing an early save from Matt Freese.

But Belgium wouldn’t stay level for long, with Charles De Ketelaere take advantage of poor defense inside the box to tap home the opening goal of the match.

In the 21st minute, Belgium would lose Amadou Onana due to an apparent knee injury.

Coming on in his place would be Hans Vanaken.

But a U.S. freekick would see Malik Tillman look to level.

And he would, with his strike deflecting off the head of a Belgian player.

But Belgium, just as they did on their first, would drive wide before firing a cross into the box.

And once again, De Ketelaere would put it home, securing himself a first half brace and giving Belgium another lead.

In the 39th, Belgium’s Nicolas Raskin would look to make it three for the Belgians in the first half, but this time, Freese would make the save.

In the 45+5th minute, Tillman would set up a run in the box for Folarin Balogun giving the U.S. a great chance on net.

But Balogun’s strike would be blocked out for a corner.

Coming into the second half, the U.S. would hunt for an equalizer but could not find anything inside the box.

And in the 57th minute, yet another American mistake would allow for Belgium to score their third.

Freese would come well off his line to try and clear the ball, but a brief hesitation allowed Vanaken to tap it into the empty net.

Defenseman Tim Ream would be in position to make the save, but with an awkward angle on the ball, he could not keep it out.

With Belgium playing conservative with their two-goal lead, the U.S. would claw for any chance to climb back into the game.

In the 79th minute, Sebastian Berhalter would look to put the U.S. within one with a strike just outside the box.

But his strike would fly just wide of the net.

In the 82nd minute, a miss played ball would see Balogun in a one-on-one with Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Courtois would make the save and keep Belgium’s lead at two.

With the match winding down, Romelu Lukaku would make is presence know, slotting home a fourth for the Belgians and putting them through to the quarterfinals.

The full-time whistle would announce Belgium’s 4-1 victory over the U.S. and launch them towards their match against Spain at 3 p.m. Friday.

Follow Adrian Murillo Silva on Instagram @adrianms_official

About the Author Published Jul 6, 2026

ADRIAN MURILLO SILVA

Adrian Murillo Silva covers both MLB and soccer news for Ball Exclusives. He has previously worked with other news publications such as The Lantern, the independent student voice of Ohio State.