Who is Charles De Ketelaere? Belgium goalscorer vs USA in FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16

The 25-year-old Charles De Ketelaere scored his first goal at the mega competition against the Yanks.

Led by Rudi Garcia, the Belgium national football team are taking on the United States football team for their round of 16 fixture. The Seattle Stadium is witnessing this high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup clash.

The Red Devils came up with an attacking approach from the start. They took an early 1-0 lead after Charles De Ketelaere engraved his name on the scoresheet. If they qualify for the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals, the Belgium national football team will take on the European champions, Spain.

The Mauricio Pochettino-led side levelled the scoreline after a free-kick by Malik Tillman in the 31st minute. The Belgians took the lead again just a couple of minutes later. De Ketelaere fired the ball at the back of the net to complete his brace.

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Charles De Ketelaere Profile

• Age: 25
• Position: Striker/ Attacking Midfielder
• Club: Atalanta BC

Charles De Ketelaere was born on March 10, 2001, in Bruges, Belgium. During his early footballing days, he joined the youth academy for Club Brugge KV. He initially developed as a central midfielder, but with time he gradually evolved into an attacking player due to his creativity, intelligence and eye for goal.

De Ketelaere made his senior debut for the Belgian club in 2019. He was one of the brightest young stars in the country. After his performances and multiple honours with Club Brugge, he also went on to feature for the Belgium national football team in 2020.

Since then, Charles De Ketelaere has been an important and regular member of the squad. He is now representing his nation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He scored his first goal on the grandest stage of them all against the USA in the round of 16 game.

Just when Belgium wanted the lead back, De Ketelaere completed his brace.

In 2022, AC Milan signed him in what was a high-profile move. De Ketelaere found it difficult to adapt in Serie A. During his debut season with the Italian giants, he failed to score a goal but managed a few assists.

His career was revived after he went to Atalanta BC on loan during the 2023-24 season. Charles De Ketelaere went back to scoring goals and bagging assists consistently.

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