​Co-hosts United States were eliminated from the World Cup after a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the last-16 stage. Belgium broke the deadlock early with Charles De Ketelaere scoring in the ninth minute, and the Americans drew level through Malik Tillman in the 31st minute. Belgium quickly regained the lead as De Ketelaere struck again just two minutes later. Hans Vanaken extended the advantage to 3-1 in the 57th minute amid a disastrous US defensive lapse, and Romelu Lukaku wrapped up the victory with a stoppage-time goal.
In the quarter-finals, Belgium will meet European champions Spain, who previously defeated Portugal 1-0. The buildup to the Belgium clash was overshadowed by FIFA’s decision to allow US forward Folarin Balogun to play after his red card in the round-of-32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina triggered an automatic one-game ban. FIFA suspended the ban to enable Balogun’s participation versus Belgium, while Belgium’s appeal was rejected.