Belgium defeats USA 4-1 to reach World Cup quarterfinals

Belgium advanced to the World Cup quarter‑finals after a 4‑1 victory over the United States in Seattle. The win, highlighted by Romelu De Ketelaere’s double, eliminated the host nation and marked the heaviest knockout‑stage loss in U.S. World Cup history. The Belgian team wore a specially designed kit referencing René Magritte’s surreal painting “La Voix des airs,” intended to unsettle opponents.

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino departed the tournament, while the result set up Belgium’s next match in the knockout stage. The match also featured commentary on the broader tournament, including Spain’s progression to the semi‑finals for the first time in 16 years, but the central outcome was Belgium’s emphatic win over the United States.