Charles De Ketelaere scored twice as Belgium recovered quickly after Malik Tillman’s deflected free-kick had brought the United States level in the first half.
Belgium took the lead in the ninth minute when De Ketelaere finished from close range after the United States failed to deal with a move involving Leandro Trossard and Nicolas Raskin.
Tillman equalised in the 31st minute, his free-kick taking a deflection and wrong-footing Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The scores were level for less than two minutes. Trossard crossed from the left and De Ketelaere headed Belgium back in front.
The United States had opportunities to respond after the break, but Belgium extended their lead in the 57th minute following an error by goalkeeper Matt Freese. Hans Vanaken scored after Freese came out of his area but failed to clear the ball.
Substitute Romelu Lukaku added Belgium’s fourth in stoppage time.
The result ended the United States’ World Cup campaign and meant all three co-hosts — the United States, Canada and Mexico — were out of the tournament before the quarterfinals.
Belgium’s win also extended their unbeaten run to 13 matches since March 2025. Their run includes eight wins and five draws across World Cup qualifying, friendlies and the tournament.
The United States had won the first meeting between the teams at the 1930 World Cup. Belgium’s latest victory was their seventh consecutive win over the Americans, with the sides having now met eight times.
Belgium will face Spain at Los Angeles Stadium on July 11, with the listed kick-off time of 12:30 a.m. IST.
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