Fired-up Belgium prove pedigree in World Cup win over USA
Belgium secured a commanding victory against the USA at the 2026 World Cup, with manager Rudi Garcia leaving Kevin De Bruyne on the bench amid pre-match controversy.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Author: Erik Drost
Belgium have advanced to the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals after a clinical performance against hosts USA. The match was played under a cloud of pre-game controversy involving the eligibility of USMNT striker Folarin Balogun, which drew comments from the highest levels of the American government.
Despite the intense external pressure, Belgium responded with focus and tactical discipline. Midfielder Nicolas Raskin and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois noted that the pre-match narrative served as additional motivation for the squad. "We told ourselves we needed to do our talking on the pitch," Youri Tielemans reflected after the victory.
Manager Rudi Garcia made a high-stakes decision to start without veteran playmaker Kevin De Bruyne. Garcia emphasized that he prioritized players based on their current form and the momentum from their recent comeback against Senegal. The gamble paid off, as Charles De Ketelaere scored a brace and Tielemans excelled in an advanced midfield role.
This result serves as a statement for Belgium, countering the narrative that their "golden generation" had lost its competitive edge. The team displayed a cohesive, energetic style that contrasted sharply with the hosts, who struggled to maintain composure under the intense pressure of the knockout stage.