Published On 7/7/2026
The Belgian national team continued its strong performances in the 2026 World Cup, after booking its place in the quarter-finals at the expense of the United States, in a match that witnessed many historical records and individual achievements that confirm the strength of the “Red Devils” in the knockout rounds, and also established the position of a number of its stars in the records of the tournament.
Belgium confirms its presence among the world’s leaders
The Belgian national team reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the fourth time in its history, and for the third time during the last four editions of the tournament, after the World Cup achievements in 2014 and 2018, continuing its presence among the most prominent international teams in the last decade.
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The Belgian team also became the fifth European Union representative to reach the quarter-finals of the 2026 edition, making this the third consecutive edition in which the European Union succeeded in representing more than half of the quarter-final teams (5 teams or 6 if Switzerland qualifies).
This achievement was achieved only once in the four previous editions, when six European teams reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2006.
The Belgian national team also strengthened its superiority in the elimination matches against non-European teams, after qualifying in 5 of the last 6 matches it played in the World Cup elimination rounds against teams from outside the European Union, including the last 4 consecutive matches.
The round of 16 knot haunts the United States
On the other hand, the American team continued its suffering in the round of 16, after leaving the tournament in this round for the sixth time in seven participations during which it reached the final price, and it is also the fourth time in a row that its journey stopped at this round, after the 2010, 2014, 2022 and 2026 editions.
Di Kettilari makes history
Charles de Kittilari was one of the most prominent stars of the match, after he scored two goals and assisted another goal, becoming the first Belgian player, according to available records since 1966, to contribute to 3 goals during one match in the World Cup or the European Championship.
Romelu Lukaku also continued to confirm his great value even when he started the match from the bench, as he became the first player in the history of the World Cup to score as a substitute in 4 different matches. He also achieved another achievement, which was being the first player to score as a substitute in 3 different matches during one edition of the tournament.
Tillman equals a 44-year-old achievement
In turn, Malik Thielemann entered the World Cup records, after he became only the second player, since statistics began to be documented in 1966, to score two goals from two direct free kicks during one edition of the tournament, equaling the achievement of Frenchman Bernard Genghene, which he achieved in the 1982 World Cup.
Trossard joins the elite list
Thanks to his assist in the match, Leandro Trossard raised his tally in the tournament to two goals and two assists, becoming the third Belgian player, since 1966, to combine scoring more than one goal and assisting more than one goal in one edition of the World Cup, after Eden Hazard in the World Cup in 2018 and Jan Quellemans in the 1986 edition.
Bench strength
The Belgian national team confirmed the depth of its squad, after Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku raised the number of substitute goals to 5 in the 2026 World Cup, the highest tally for any team in the tournament so far.
Courtois continues to climb history
On the individual level, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois played his 20th match in the World Cup Finals, tying Frenchman Hugo Lloris in second place on the list of most participating goalkeepers in the history of the tournament, behind German Manuel Neuer, who tops the list with 23 matches.
Belgium confirms its ambition
These collective and individual numbers reflect the level of stability experienced by the Belgian national team, and its ability to compete in the decisive stages of the World Cup, at a time when its stars continue to break records, which strengthens the “Red Devils” ambitions to go far during the 2026 edition and compete for the world title.
