Two goals in two chaotic minutes. A forced substitution before the half-hour mark. A yellow card. A VAR review right on the stroke of half-time. The first half at the Seattle Stadium has not been short of incident — and Belgium lead the United States 2–1 at the break in this FIFA World Cup 2026™ Round of 16 tie, with Charles De Ketelaere the central figure having scored twice.
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Belgium Draw First Blood
Belgium were aggressive from the off and were rewarded in the 9th minute. Nicolas Raskin drove forward and found a precise, penetrating pass to release Charles De Ketelaere in a dangerous position. De Ketelaere took one look and beat Matt Freese from close range. A clean, clinical finish. The Red Devils were ahead and looking comfortable.
Onana Off Early — Belgium Forced to Adjust
Belgium’s rhythm was briefly disrupted in the 20th minute when Amadou Onana was forced off. Hans Vanaken came on as his replacement — an early tactical adjustment that Belgium would have preferred to avoid. Losing Onana in the first half of a knockout match is not ideal. How Vanaken settles into the role will be a key subplot in the second half.
Tillman Levels — Then De Ketelaere Strikes Again
The United States equalised in the 31st minute. Malik Tillman tracked an attacking opportunity inside the Belgian box and fired the ball home. The Seattle Stadium erupted. The home crowd, behind their side all evening, had been given something to roar about. USA level. The momentum felt like it was shifting.
It shifted back within two minutes. Leandro Trossard picked up the ball and immediately found De Ketelaere with a precise cross. De Ketelaere did not hesitate — his perfect header ensured his second goal of the half. 2–1 Belgium. The silence that followed in the stadium said everything about how quickly the game had turned.
McKennie Booked, VAR Checks a Late Penalty Claim
The temperature continued to rise. In the 35th minute, Weston McKennie was shown a yellow card for a hard challenge as the midfield battle grew increasingly combative. McKennie is now one booking away from a suspension — he will need to be careful in the second half.
Then, right before the whistle, a late incident inside the Belgian box triggered a VAR review. The crowd held its breath. The check was completed, the decision stood — no penalty to the United States. Belgium went into the dressing room with their lead intact.
What the Second Half Holds
The USA are at home, the crowd is with them, and they have already shown they can score against this Belgium side. But De Ketelaere has two goals, and Trossard is providing the creativity. Belgium’s early forced substitution means Vanaken must deliver — and McKennie’s yellow card gives the USMNT a discipline problem to manage.
Forty-five minutes to decide who faces Spain in the quarter-final. The USA need a goal. Belgium will look to increase their lead and win the match. They will absolutely fight till the end if required. But scoring another and maintaining the difference would make it easy for them. This World Cup has seen many goals in deep stoppage time. A one-goal lead might be the most dangerous position to be.
The second half kicks off shortly. Watch USA vs Belgium live on ZEE 5 — don’t miss a moment of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
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