Charles De Ketelaere scored twice in the first half before Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku added second-half goals as Belgium capitalized on defensive mistakes and swift counterattacks.
The United States briefly leveled through Malik Tillman’s free kick but could not keep pace with the Europeans.
Belgium dominated from the opening whistle, creating several chances inside the first few minutes. Goalkeeper Matt Freese denied Timothy Castagne with a spectacular save before De Ketelaere headed straight at him.
The breakthrough came in the ninth minute when Nicolas Raskin recycled a loose ball into the box and De Ketelaere tapped home from close range after the U.S. defense failed to clear.
Belgium continued to dictate play, registering eight shots before the United States managed its first attempt. The Americans found an equalizer against the run of play in the 31st minute when Tillman’s free kick took a deflection off the wall, wrong-footing goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
The celebrations lasted only two minutes.
Leandro Trossard delivered a cross from the left byline and De Ketelaere rose above Tim Ream to head Belgium back in front, restoring the lead before halftime.
The United States came out with greater urgency after the break and enjoyed more possession, but struggled to break down Belgium’s organized defense.
Instead, Belgium extended their advantage in the 56th minute after a costly mistake by Freese. The goalkeeper collected the ball outside his area but passed directly to Vanaken, who calmly finished into an empty net.
The hosts suffered another setback moments later when captain Christian Pulisic was forced off injured.
Belgium sealed the result in stoppage time. Substitute Jeremy Doku burst down the flank before setting up fellow substitute Lukaku, who finished to make it 4-1.
Despite controlling possession for much of the second half, the United States created few clear chances, relying mainly on crosses that Belgium handled comfortably.
The victory sends Belgium into the quarterfinals, while the United States’ home World Cup campaign ends in the round of 16.
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