Tuesday July 7, 2026
Belgium wasted little time looking beyond a commanding World Cup knockout win, with manager Rudi Garcia saying his team must swiftly reset for a quarterfinal showdown with Spain after Monday’s 4-1 defeat of the United States in the round of 16.
Charles De Ketelaere led the way with two goals and an assist, helping Belgium book a July 10 meeting in Los Angeles with the reigning European champion.
“On a personal level, I’m pleased that Spain are our next opponents,” Garcia said. “For the moment, we will savour this win because there is very little time before the next match.
“Preparation starts tomorrow. Getting to the quarterfinals is an important step, but our aim is to keep moving forward. That is the ambition we have.”
Garcia also made a point of acknowledging the supporters who followed the team from inside the stadium and back home in Belgium.
“I want to thank everyone who stayed up to support us. That kind of backing matters a great deal,” he said.
The Belgium coach said his players had successfully blunted the United States’ up-tempo approach, turning the expected pattern of the match on its head at Seattle Stadium.
“We wanted speed going forward, but also players on both sides who could do the defensive work,” he said. “We thought the United States would press us high, but ultimately we were the ones who imposed that pressure. We are very pleased with how we performed tonight.
“There was desire, there was commitment. It was an excellent night for us, and we are very happy to be in the quarterfinals.”
The only major concern for Belgium came in the first half, when Amadou Onana went down holding his right knee. The Aston Villa midfielder was unable to continue and made way for Hans Vanaken in the 21st minute.
“We are worried it may be serious, and now we have to wait for the medical results,” Garcia said. “If he cannot carry on in the World Cup, that would be bad news for him and for us.”
