Belgium thwarted the ambitions of the United States, the host, in partnership with Canada and Mexico, by eliminating it from the round of 16 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup 4-1 at dawn on Tuesday in the American city of Seattle, setting up a date with Spain in the quarter-finals on Friday in Inglewood (Los Angeles). Belgium's goals were scored by Charles de Ketelaar (9 and 33), and substitutes Hans Vanaken (57) and Romelu Lukaku (90 + 3), versus an American goal signed by Malik Tilleman (31). The United States team followed its neighbors, the Mexican and Canadian hosts, out of the tournament, after suffering its seventh consecutive defeat against Belgium in all competitions, since its first and only victory over its European counterpart 3-0 in the 1930 World Cup. The match actually started before its official scheduled time, after FIFA suspended the suspension penalty against American star Folarin Balogun, who received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina (2-0). This decision sparked a wave of critical reactions, especially after US President Donald Trump revealed that he had asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to personally review the decision. After suspending Balogun’s suspension, FIFA rejected Belgium’s appeal, describing it as “unacceptable,” while the Belgian Federation said that it had not received any explanation about the issue, and its national team coach, the Frenchman Rudi Garcia, expressed his astonishment at the decision by sarcastically “April 1st.” Lukaku became the first Belgian player to score three or more goals in more than one edition of the World Cup (2018 and 2026). He also became the first player to score a goal as a substitute in four different World Cup matches.