Belgium powered into the World Cup quarterfinals with a commanding 4-1 victory over the United States in Seattle, a match overshadowed by the controversy surrounding American forward Folarin Balogun. The Red Devils will now face Spain, who earlier eliminated Portugal with a 1-0 win in Arlington, Texas.
Balogun, whose one-match suspension for a red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina was controversially overturned by FIFA after a phone call between former US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, failed to make a significant impact. The decision had drawn criticism from Belgian fans and officials, as detailed in Belgian Fans Question FIFA's Reversal of Balogun Red Card Ahead of USA Clash.
Belgium struck early, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice in the first half—first in the 9th minute and again in the 33rd—exploiting defensive lapses from the American backline. A goalkeeping error by Matt Freese early in the second half handed the Red Devils a third goal, and substitute Romelu Lukaku added a fourth in stoppage time. The USA's only response came from Malik Tillman in the 31st minute, after Balogun was fouled by Brandon Mechele to set up the free kick.
Despite the pre-match controversy, Balogun's performance was forgettable. He used his pace on several runs but failed to beat Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, with his best chance coming in the 82nd minute when Courtois blocked a left-footed shot. Balogun was substituted in the 92nd minute. The US team had sought to involve him, but Belgium's defense held firm.
Belgium's Unbeaten Run Continues
Belgium, seeking its first World Cup title, extended its unbeaten streak to 18 games and knocked the US out in the round of 16 for the second time in 12 years. The Red Devils will face Spain on Friday in Inglewood, California, for a semifinal berth against either France or Morocco. The match promises to be a test of Belgium's form against a Spanish side that has been defensively dominant.
Spain's 1-0 victory over Portugal marked a World Cup record with its sixth consecutive clean sheet. Goalkeeper Unai Simón extended his tournament scoreless streak to 609 minutes, making two saves against Cristiano Ronaldo in the first half. Spain's defensive solidity has been a hallmark of their campaign, as noted in Spain and Croatia Dominate Ranking of Europe's Best Islands for 2026, though the article focuses on tourism rather than football.
For Portugal, the loss ended Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup journey. The 41-year-old, who has scored in six consecutive World Cups and holds the record for most international goals with 146, walked off the pitch with a stoic expression. "Sad — it's normal after being eliminated like this," Ronaldo said. "I've given everything, I've given my best, and I leave with a clear conscience. This is soccer, this is life for a soccer player. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose."
Ronaldo had hinted before the match that this would be his last World Cup, and he reiterated that after the loss. His deepest run in the tournament was the semifinals in 2006. Portugal, which had never won a major international tournament before Ronaldo's era, claimed the 2016 European Championship and Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025. His departure marks the end of an era for Portuguese football.
Spain's quarterfinal clash with Belgium will be a key test for both sides. Belgium's attacking prowess, led by De Ketelaere and Lukaku, will face Spain's resolute defense. The match also carries broader European implications, as both nations represent strong footballing traditions. For more on Spain's preparations, see Spain Braces for Second Summer Heatwave with Temperatures Up to 44°C, though the heatwave is unrelated to the World Cup.
The quarterfinal lineup also includes England, who advanced after a dramatic win over Mexico, as reported in England Triumphs in Azteca Classic, Advances to World Cup Quarterfinals. The tournament continues to showcase the depth of European football, with Belgium and Spain among the favorites.
