The United States’ World Cup journey has come to a painful end after Belgium handed the hosts a heavy 4-1 defeat, leaving them to watch the remainder of the tournament from the stands.

The American side, who carried the hopes of home supporters into the knockout stage, struggled to match Belgium’s intensity as the European giants produced a dominant display to book their place in the next round.

From the opening whistle, Belgium controlled proceedings with composed passing, quick movement and relentless pressure that kept the United States on the back foot for much of the contest.

The Red Devils’ attacking quality proved too much for the hosts, as their forwards exploited gaps in the American defence and punished every opportunity that came their way.

The United States managed to find a response and scored a consolation goal to give their supporters hope, but Belgium quickly restored their advantage and remained firmly in control until the final whistle.

The defeat ends the hosts’ World Cup campaign despite moments of promise, forcing American fans to turn their attention to watching the remaining matches as spectators.

Belgium’s emphatic victory sends a warning to other contenders, with the Red Devils now advancing with confidence and setting up a quarter-final clash against Spain.

Spain reached the last eight after Mikel Merino’s dramatic stoppage-time strike secured a 1-0 victory over Portugal in a tense Iberian derby.

Merino’s late winner ended Portugal’s hopes and Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup dream, while keeping Spain’s pursuit of a second World Cup title alive.