USA vs. Belgium player ratings: Who was the star of the game?

Charles De Ketelaere was the standout performer, scoring twice and providing an assist before his 67th-minute withdrawal. At the same time, Hans Vanaken capitalized on Matt Freese's costly error to extend the lead before adding another assist.

Malik Tillman's deflected free kick briefly drew the hosts level, but Belgium's ruthless response and defensive discipline ensured they march on to face Spain in the quarterfinals.

DAZN News rates each set of players and our player of the match:

The Best Players of the Match

Charles De Ketelaere (Belgium): Scored twice and assisted Vanaken's goal as his relentless pressing and intelligent movement dismantled the United States defence.

Hans Vanaken (Belgium): Came off the bench to score from distance and assist Lukaku's late goal after winning possession high up the pitch.

Leandro Trossard (Belgium): Delivered the cross for De Ketelaere's second goal and consistently threatened down the left flank throughout his influential display.

David Ramos

United States

Matt Freese (5.0): Early save denied Castagne but costly error gifted Belgium's third goal.

Alex Freeman (5.5): Poor clearance led to the opening goal; struggled defensively throughout.

Chris Richards (6.1): Made a vital late block but lost an aerial duel for the second goal.

Tim Ream (5.9): Captained the side but was beaten in the air for De Ketelaere's header.

Antonee Robinson (6.0): Showed attacking intent but crosses lacked precision; beaten in duels.

Weston McKennie (5.6): Early booking limited aggression; struggled to influence the midfield battle.

Tyler Adams (5.8): Attempted to shield the defence but was overwhelmed by Belgium's passing quality.

Malik Tillman (6.9): Scored a deflected free kick and showed technical quality but was later booked.

Sergiño Dest (5.2): Substituted at halftime after being dominated by De Cuyper's relentless marking.

Christian Pulisic (5.4): Found little space before departing injured after a challenge with Tielemans.

Folarin Balogun (5.0): Completely nullified by Ngoy; managed just one shot until the 82".

Giovanni Reyna (6.3): Improved defensive discipline after replacing Dest but couldn't create chances.

Sebastian Berhalter (6.5): Provided fresh energy; left-footed strike narrowly missed the post.

Ricardo Pepi (5.8): Added physical presence but barely touched the ball in dangerous areas.

Max Arfsten (5.5): Brief cameo with no time to make any meaningful contribution.

Haji Wright (5.5): Entered in stoppage time; barely touched the ball before the final whistle.

Belgium

Thibaut Courtois (7.3): Denied Balogun twice in the second half; beaten only by a deflected free kick.

Timothy Castagne (6.9): Early shot saved brilliantly; solid defensively and delivered dangerous crosses.

Brandon Mechele (6.8): Helped keep Balogun quiet; made clearance headers in both boxes.

Nathan Ngoy (8.0): Outstanding marking completely nullified Balogun; won every duel against his man.

Maxim De Cuyper (7.1): Relentless marking forced Dest's halftime substitution; provided attacking width.

Nicolas Raskin (7.2): Assisted the opening goal with a cross from the left; pressed effectively throughout.

Amadou Onana (5.5): Brief appearance ended by right knee injury; left the stadium on crutches.

Youri Tielemans (6.8): Captained well and dictated tempo but missed a clear chance at 8".

Dodi Lukébakio (6.7): Key pass initiated the first goal; wasteful with two shooting opportunities.

Charles De Ketelaere (9.5): Two goals and an assist; pressing forced Freese's error for the third goal.

Leandro Trossard (8.1): Assisted the second goal with a cross from the byline; constant threat down the left.

Hans Vanaken (8.4): Scored third goal from distance; won ball for Lukaku's stoppage-time finish.

Romelu Lukaku (7.5): Held up play effectively; placed finish sealed a comfortable 4-1 victory.

Jérémy Doku (7.0): Showed pace and dribbling ability; drew fouls with direct running.

Alexis Saelemaekers (6.0): Brief cameo to help see out the final minutes of a comprehensive victory.

Axel Witsel (6.0): Added experience in the closing stages; helped manage final minutes comfortably.

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