Belgium thrash hosts USA 4-1, while Spain edge Portugal 1-0 with dramatic stoppage-time winner to set up blockbuster quarterfinal clash
Kathmandu: Two European powerhouses, Belgium and Spain, secured their places in the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after impressive Round of 16 victories on Monday. Belgium overwhelmed co-host United States 4-1 in Seattle, while Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 thanks to a dramatic injury-time winner by Mikel Merino in Dallas.
The results ended the World Cup dreams of the United States on home soil and marked what is widely expected to be the final World Cup appearance of Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
Belgium Outclass USA with Clinical Display
Belgium produced one of their finest performances of the tournament, defeating the United States 4-1 in front of a packed American crowd.
The Red Devils wasted little time asserting themselves. Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the 9th minute, finishing confidently after an excellent pass from Nicolas Raskin.
The hosts briefly reignited hopes when Malik Tillman curled in a superb free kick in the 31st minute, leveling the match.
However, Belgium restored their lead almost immediately. Just two minutes later, De Ketelaere headed home a precise cross from Leandro Trossard to complete his brace and make it 2-1.
The decisive moment came in the second half when American goalkeeper Matt Freese made a costly error while attempting to play out from the back. Hans Vanaken capitalized on the mistake in the 57th minute, calmly finishing into an empty net to give Belgium a comfortable 3-1 advantage.
Substitute Romelu Lukaku put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time, powering through the American defense before scoring Belgium’s fourth goal.
De Ketelaere Stars as Belgium Looks Like Title Contender
De Ketelaere was undoubtedly the star of the match, scoring twice and constantly troubling the American defense with his movement and finishing.
Captain Thibaut Courtois also delivered another commanding performance, producing crucial saves whenever the United States threatened a comeback.
Belgium’s combination of experience, composure, and attacking efficiency has established them as one of the strongest contenders remaining in the tournament.
Merino’s Last-Gasp Winner Sends Spain Through
In Dallas, Spain and Portugal battled through a tense and tactical encounter that seemed destined for extra time.
Instead, in the first minute of stoppage time, substitute Mikel Merino latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Ferran Torres and calmly slotted past goalkeeper Diogo Costa to send Spain into the quarterfinals.
The late strike sparked wild celebrations among Spanish players and supporters while heartbreak engulfed Portugal.
Emotional Farewell for Cristiano Ronaldo
The match is likely to be remembered as the final FIFA World Cup appearance of Cristiano Ronaldo, one of football’s greatest players.
The 41-year-old struggled to influence the game against Spain’s disciplined midfield and organized defense. Although he continued to demand possession and searched for opportunities, the explosive pace and finishing that defined his legendary career were largely absent.
After the final whistle, Ronaldo stood silently in midfield for several moments before applauding the crowd with tears in his eyes. Holding the captain’s armband, he slowly walked toward the tunnel in what many believe was the final chapter of an extraordinary World Cup journey spanning six tournaments.
Despite never lifting the World Cup trophy, Ronaldo leaves behind an unmatched legacy that includes becoming the only player to score in six different FIFA World Cups.
Spain’s Midfield Once Again Controls the Match
Spain’s victory was built upon another dominant midfield display led by Rodri, Pedri, and Dani Olmo, while teenage sensation Lamine Yamal grew increasingly influential after Portuguese left-back Nuno Mendes left the field through injury.
Spain controlled 57 percent of possession, created the better scoring opportunities, and eventually earned a deserved victory through Merino’s decisive finish.
Quarterfinal Showdown: Spain vs Belgium
Monday’s victories have set up one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.
Quarterfinal
Spain 🇪🇸 vs Belgium 🇧🇪
Spain’s technically gifted midfield will face Belgium’s experienced and physically imposing squad featuring Charles De Ketelaere, Romelu Lukaku, Leandro Trossard, and Thibaut Courtois.
With both teams displaying excellent form, the encounter promises to be one of the standout matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Monday’s Results
Belgium 4-1 United States
Goalscorers:
- 9′ – Charles De Ketelaere (Belgium)
- 31′ – Malik Tillman (USA)
- 33′ – Charles De Ketelaere (Belgium)
- 57′ – Hans Vanaken (Belgium)
- 90+3′ – Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)
Spain 1-0 Portugal
Goalscorer:
- 90+1′ – Mikel Merino (Spain)
Road to the World Cup Title Narrows
With the Round of 16 nearing completion, the race for the FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy has become even more competitive. Traditional football powers including Brazil, Portugal, United States, Mexico, and Canada have all been eliminated.
Meanwhile, Spain, Belgium, France, Morocco, England, and Norway have secured quarterfinal places, with more heavyweight clashes still to come.
All eyes now turn to the blockbuster quarterfinals, particularly Spain vs Belgium and England vs Norway, as the battle for football’s biggest prize enters its decisive stage.
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