Seattle. Belgium capitalized on a series of costly defensive mistakes to defeat the United States 4-1 on Monday night, advancing to the World Cup quarterfinals and ending the Americans' hopes of a deep run on home soil.

Charles De Ketelaere scored twice and set up another goal as Belgium exposed the U.S. backline throughout the match. Despite the return of star striker Folarin Balogun, whose one-match red-card suspension was controversially overturned by FIFA, the Americans were undone by defensive lapses that led to two first-half goals, while goalkeeper Matt Freese's costly error gifted Belgium a third early in the second half.

Substitute Romelu Lukaku sealed the victory in the third minute of stoppage time after Chris Richards gave away possession.

"Everyone saw from the beginning we didn't connect with the game," U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said after kicking a rack of water bottles in frustration following Belgium's second goal. "It's a process to learn. We need to assess that game and we need to see why we didn't approach the game in the same way that we approached the rest of the World Cup."

Belgium, still seeking its first World Cup title, eliminated the United States in the round of 16 for the second time in 12 years and extended its unbeaten streak to 18 matches. The Red Devils will face 2010 champions Spain on Friday in Inglewood, California, for a place in the semifinals against either France or Morocco.

Malik Tillman briefly leveled the score at 1-1 in the 31st minute with his second direct free-kick goal of the tournament, but Belgium restored its lead just 61 seconds after the restart.

The United States suffered another setback when Christian Pulisic was forced off after injuring his right foot while striking Belgium captain Youri Tielemans' boot on a shot attempt in the 52nd minute. The American captain tried to continue but was substituted seven minutes later.

After winning three matches at a World Cup for the first time in the expanded 48-team tournament, the U.S. fell short of reaching the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. The loss also marked its seventh consecutive defeat to Belgium and continued a poor run against European opponents, with the Americans losing 11 of their last 12 matches against UEFA nations.

A much-heralded generation featuring Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams ultimately fell short of its ambition to elevate soccer's standing alongside the NFL, MLB, and NBA in the United States.

Belgium struck first in the eighth minute — the first time the U.S. had conceded the opening goal in this World Cup. Dodi Lukébakio's diagonal pass sparked the move before Timothy Castagne delivered a cross that Charles De Ketelaere converted after splitting Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson.

Pochettino spread his arms in disbelief on the touchline as Belgium repeatedly exploited gaps in the American defense.

Tillman brought the hosts level after Brandon Mechele fouled Balogun about 25 yards from goal. His free kick took a deflection off Hans Vanaken and wrong-footed goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Belgium regained the lead almost immediately when Leandro Trossard beat Sergiño Dest down the flank before De Ketelaere rose above Tim Ream to head home his second goal.

The Red Devils added a third in the 57th minute after Freese miscontrolled a long ball from Mechele. De Ketelaere pressured the goalkeeper into a mistake, allowing Vanaken to fire a long-range effort that deflected off Ream and into the net.

Lukaku, introduced in the 67th minute, completed the scoring in stoppage time with his 93rd international goal.

Belgium was also dealt an injury concern after midfielder Amadou Onana was forced off midway through the first half with what coach Rudi Garcia feared could be a serious knee injury. Vanaken replaced him and went on to score.

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