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Charles De Ketelaere scored twice as Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 at the Seattle Stadium to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, where they will face Spain.

De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the ninth minute, giving Belgium an early lead. The US levelled in the 31st minute when Malik Tillman's free-kick deflected off Hans Vanaken and found the net past Thibaut Courtois. However, Belgium restored their lead just two minutes later when De Ketelaere headed in his second goal of the night past goalkeeper Matt Freese.

The match was played against the backdrop of a FIFA decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's one-match ban, allowing the US forward to play despite his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun won the free-kick that led to Tillman's equaliser but otherwise struggled to make an impact against Belgium's defence.

Belgium extended their advantage early in the second half when Freese, attempting to clear the ball outside his penalty area, mishit his kick, allowing Vanaken to fire into the empty net. Romelu Lukaku added a fourth in stoppage time.

Belgium captain Youri Tielemans said the squad had held a meeting after Balogun's reprieve and were determined to respond on the pitch. "We told ourselves we needed to do our talking on the pitch," Tielemans told Belgian broadcaster RTBF. "That's what we did. I'm very proud of the team."

The defeat means all three World Cup co-hosts – the US, Canada and Mexico – have now been eliminated in the round of 16.

US midfielder Tyler Adams reflected on the disappointment, saying, "In the moments that we were doing well in the tournament, we felt amazing. And then obviously, an opportunity like today, we didn't."

Despite the exit, US head coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed optimism about the squad's future. "I think now ... it's time to rest a little bit, to think, to have conversations, and then see what the decision is from the federation and from us. But I am so happy."

Belgium will now face Spain in Los Angeles on 10 July, after Spain edged past Portugal 1-0 with a stoppage-time goal from Mikel Merino. Following that defeat, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed he would not play in another World Cup.

"I'll wake up tomorrow like I woke up today, with a clear conscience," said the 41-year-old. "I gave my best. I won three titles with Portugal. Before Cristiano, Portugal hadn't won any title. So, I'm happy. The biggest title that I won with the national team was in 2016 [European Championship], which for me had the same dimension as a World Cup, honestly."