BRUSSELS, July 10 (Reuters) — Charles De Ketelaere scored twice against Spain in the 2026 World Cup round of 16. Belgium won 2-1. The brace marks the 24-year-old’s transformation from a failed AC Milan signing to the team’s central attacking hope.
De Ketelaere equalized in the 67th minute. He rose above the Spanish defense to head in a corner. VnExpress reported the goal as “Spain 1-1 Belgium: Charles De Ketelaere heads in.”
Twelve minutes later, he scored again. He latched onto a through ball and slotted past the goalkeeper. Fox Sports highlighted the moment: “Charles De Ketelaere bagged a brace in Belgium’s win.”
Belgium’s attack had been inconsistent. Critics questioned who would score. De Ketelaere’s brace silenced those doubts.
His career hit a low point at AC Milan. He joined in 2022. He scored zero goals in 40 appearances. Loan moves followed. The label “bust” stuck.
A transfer to Atalanta revived him. He rediscovered his form as a creative forward. Belgium’s coach maintained faith. The Spain brace proved that patience paid off.
The “Golden Generation” is aging. Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard are nearing retirement. De Ketelaere represents a younger core.
His tactical versatility is key. He drops deep, holds up play, and makes late runs. This creates space for Kevin De Bruyne’s passes. Against Spain, his movement unlocked a stubborn defense.
USA Today’s coverage emphasized his composure under pressure. “Who scored for Belgium? See Charles De Ketelaere goal vs. Spain in World Cup,” their report noted. This trait Belgium lacked in past tournaments.
Belgium has underperformed in recent World Cups despite talent. De Ketelaere’s emergence offers a fresh narrative. Can he carry this momentum?
All eyes are on De Ketelaere. His journey from zero goals at Milan to two against Spain mirrors Belgium’s own resilience.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What did Charles De Ketelaere achieve against Spain?
- A: He scored two goals (a brace) in Belgium’s 2-1 win over Spain in the 2026 World Cup round of 16, equalizing in the 67th minute and scoring the winner 12 minutes later.
- Q: Why is this brace considered a turning point for De Ketelaere?
- A: After a disastrous spell at AC Milan where he scored zero goals in 40 appearances and was labeled a ‘bust,’ his revival at Atalanta and this performance prove his transformation into a reliable attacking force for Belgium.
- Q: How does De Ketelaere fit into Belgium’s future plans?
- A: As the ‘Golden Generation’ ages, De Ketelaere represents a younger core. His tactical versatility—dropping deep, holding play, and making late runs—creates space for Kevin De Bruyne and makes him a central hope for Belgium’s attack.
Extended Reading
For further details, refer to the following sources:
- USA Today: “Who scored for Belgium? See Charles De Ketelaere goal vs. Spain in World Cup”
- Fox Sports: “Charles De Ketelaere bagged a brace in Belgium’s win”
- VnExpress: “Spain 1-1 Belgium: Charles De Ketelaere heads in”