Belgium produced an organised and efficient display to beat co-hosts USA 4-1 in Seattle. The victory sends the Belgians into a quarter-final meeting with Spain after taking control of the match from the opening stages.

Belgium threatened early, with Timothy Castagne forcing goalkeeper Matt Freese into an important save within the first minute. Their positive start was rewarded when Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring after good work from Leandro Trossard and Nicolas Raskin, who combined to create a simple finish for the Atalanta forward.

The United States found an equaliser through Malik Tillman, whose free-kick took a deflection before beating the Belgian goalkeeper. However, the hosts were unable to build on that goal, and Belgium regained the lead just minutes later. Trossard delivered another accurate cross, allowing De Ketelaere to head home his second goal of the match.

The USA attempted to improve after the break, but a costly mistake effectively ended any hopes of a comeback. Goalkeeper Matt Freese lost possession outside his penalty area, allowing substitute Hans Vanaken to score from long range after the ball crossed the line despite Tim Ream’s attempt to clear.

Belgium added a fourth goal late in the game when Romelu Lukaku capitalised on another defensive error to complete a convincing victory.

The match was also surrounded by discussion following FIFA’s decision to overturn Folarin Balogun’s suspension, allowing him to play. Despite the attention surrounding that decision, the striker had little influence on the game as Belgium comfortably controlled proceedings.

In Dallas, Spain edged past Portugal with a 1-0 victory to continue their impressive tournament campaign.

The match was closely contested, with both teams limiting clear scoring opportunities. Spain controlled possession for long periods, while Portugal struggled to create chances despite having experienced attacking players in their line-up.

The decisive moment arrived in stoppage time when substitute Mikel Merino finished calmly after receiving a well-timed pass from Ferran Torres. The goal was enough to separate the two sides and secure Spain’s place in the last eight.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, playing in what he had confirmed would be his final World Cup, was unable to inspire his side. He registered Portugal’s only shot on target, but Spain’s disciplined defensive performance ensured goalkeeper Unai Simón was rarely tested.

Spain have now kept six consecutive clean sheets during the tournament and remain the only team yet to concede a goal. Their defensive organisation has been one of the key factors behind their progress as they reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2010.

The result also marked the end of Roberto Martínez’s spell as Portugal head coach, with the coach stepping down following the team’s elimination.

Belgium and Spain will now meet in the quarter-finals, with both sides arriving after strong defensive performances and convincing victories in the knockout stage. The winner will move one step closer to a place in the World Cup semi-finals.