USA vs Belgium LIVE score, FIFA World Cup 2026: USA 1-3 BEL; Vanaken takes advantage of goalkeeper error; Round of 16 updates
USA vs BEL LIVE: Catch the real-time updates from the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium being played at the Seattle Stadium.
Updated : Jul 07, 2026 06:59 IST
Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere celebrates with teammates after scoring his side’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against USA.
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS
Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere celebrates with teammates after scoring his side’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against USA.
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS
Welcome to Sportstar’s live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium being played at the Seattle Stadium.
MATCH OVERVIEW
Belgium starting XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois (gk), Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper, Raskin, Onana, Lukebakio, Tielemans, Trossard, De Ketelaere
USA starting XI (4-3-3): Freese (gk), Freeman, Richards, Ream, Robinson, McKennie, Adams, Tillman, Dest, Balogun, Pulisic
Venue: Seattle Stadium
ACTION FROM THE FIRST HALF
9’- Belgium took advantage of a poor clearance from USA, and Nicolas Raskin collected the ball at the edge of the box before passing it into the middle. Charles De Ketelaere was at the right place at the right time and tapped the ball into an empty goal to take the lead.
31’ – Malik Tillman scores from a free kick in back-to-back games. Thibaut Courtois had his wall set up, but Tillman’s shot took a wicked deflection off Hans Vanaken, which left the Belgian goalkeeper competely wrong footed.
33’ – De Ketelaere restored the lead in quick time. It was brilliant work from Leandro Trossard on the left wing as he collected the ball and took his time before sending in a tempting cross into the middle. De Ketelaere was once again there, and he towered over Tim Ream to head the ball into the back of the net.
62′ USA 1-3 BEL
Trossard is looking to get in on the action as he gets into the box from the left before attempting a shot. But the attempt is blocked by Adams, sending the ball out for a corner.
59′ USA 1-3 BEL | Substitution
USA: Pulisic is replaced by Berhalter.
57′ USA 1-3 BEL | GOAALL!
VANAKEN SCORES! HORRIBLE MISTAKE FROM THE USA GOALKEEPER!!
A ball is played over the top to Ketelaere, but it goes well past him and comes to Freese, who came way off his line. He takes a touch and makes a mess of a standard clearance, instead choosing to pass it sideways.
However, Ketelaere was alert and stuck out a leg, which sent the ball to Vanaken, who found the bottom right corner of an open goal from way out.
Belgium gets a two-goal lead and now a mountain to climb for the last remaining host.
54′ USA 1-2 BEL
Adams plays a lovely ball over the top for Freeman, who ran into the right side of the box. But he should have done better, as his first touch let him down, allowing the ball to roll out for a goal kick.
52′ USA 1-2 BEL
Pulisic goes down on the edge of the Belgian box after a challenge from Tielemans, but the referee waves away any shouts for a foul.
50′ USA 1-2 BEL
De Ketelaere gets the ball in the middle of the pitch and tries to find Trossard’s run into the box. But Freese is alert and comes off his line to collect the ball ahead of the Arsenal forward.
47′ USA 1-2 BEL
Seems like Reya has slotted into the midfield with the duo of Pulisic and Balogun forming the forward line.
Second half begins!
USA kicks off the second half, shooting from right to left.
USA: Dest is replaced by Gio Reyna.
A historic strike from Malik Tillman!
Malik Tillman becomes second player to score two freekick goals in same FIFA World Cup since 1966
Malik Tillman joins Bernard Genghini as the second player to score two freekick goals in a single World Cup.
Half time!
Pulisic sends the ball into the box from the right corner, but it is Courtois who meets it in the air. And the referee uses that moment to end the first half.
Charles De Ketelaere’s brace is the point of difference at the moment.
45+4′ USA 1-2 BEL
Tillman plays a lovely through ball into the box for Balogun, who seemed in pole position to reach it. But, out comes Courtois and bravely clears the ball away from danger.
45+2′ USA 1-2 BEL
Dest gets the ball and tries to go on a run down the right side. But De Cuypers does well to track back and nick the ball away.
45′ USA 1-2 BEL
Tillman launches the ball in from a throw-in on the right, and Freeman heads it forward for Balogun, whose attempt from close range goes sailing into the stands behind the goal.
Six minutes of added time to play in the first half.
43′ USA 1-2 BEL
De Cuypers stands over the ball and sends a good-looking cross into the box. Lukebakio is completely unmarked and he should have done better with his header which goes well wide of the left post.
42′ USA 1-2 BEL
Belgium gets a free kick in the opposition half after Vanaken is sent to the floor by Richards.
39′ USA 1-2 BEL
Tielemans sends an outswinging corner from the right, which is directed towards the goal by Raksin. But Freese watches the ball closely and makes an easy save.
35′ USA 1-2 BEL
And the first booking of the game goes to Weston McKennie, who is punished for a late sliding challenge.
33′ USA 1-2 BEL | GOAALL!
DE KETELAERE SCORES AGAIN! THE LEAD IS RESTORED IN QUICK TIME!
Brilliant work from Trossard on the left wing as he collects the ball and takes his time before sending in a tempting cross into the middle.
De Ketelaere is once again there, and he towers over Ream to head the ball into the back of the net.
31′ USA 1-1 BEL | GOAALL!
TILLMAN SCORES!! HE SCORES FROM A FREE KICK IN BACK-TO-BACK GAMES!
Courtois had his wall set up but Tillman’s shot takes a wicked deflection off Vanaken, which leaves the Belgian goalkeeper competely wrong footed.
30′ USA 0-1 BEL
USA gets a free kick in a good shooting position after Balogun is fouled by Mechele.
29′ USA 0-1 BEL
USA finds breaks a long spell of Belgium possession with Weston McKennie drawing a foul from Raskin in USA’s half.
24′ USA 0-1 BEL
Now a chance for both teams to gather their breath as the referee blows his whistle for the Hydration Break.
22′ USA 0-1 BEL
Sloppy from Chris Richards who messes up a clearance by slamming it straight into De Ketelaere.
However, he will be thanking his stars as he gets another opportunity to boot the ball away after the Belgian forward is unable to bring it under control.
20′ USA 0-1 BEL | Substitution
Belgium: Onana is replaced by Vanaken.
19′ USA 0-1 BEL
And this is not good for Belgium, as it looks like Onana will not be able to continue. His teammates are seen consoling him on the bench.
17′ USA 0-1 BEL
Play is paused as Onana is on the floor with some sort of injury. He is receiving treatment on the pitch.
16′ USA 0-1 BEL
Rudi Garcia will be extremely happy with his team’s start and especially with two of his changes combining for the opening goal.
13′ USA 0-1 BEL
Belgium is not backing down as crosses are swung into the box, with Trossard among those who have a go at goal. The American defence is barely holding on at the moment.
11′ USA 0-1 BEL
Mauricio Pochettino is visibly unhappy with his team’s defending there as cameras show the Argentine in the USA dugout with a confused look on his face.
9′ USA 0-1 BEL | GOAALL!
DE KETELAERE SCORES!!
Belgium takes advantage of a poor clearance from USA, and Raskin collects the ball at the edge of the box before passing it into the middle.
De Ketelaere is at the right place at the right time and taps the ball into an empty goal to take the lead.
8′ USA 0-0 BEL
Lukebakio with a brilliant run past bodies in the opposition half before playing it through for Castagne, who made an overlapping run.
The right-back squares it into the middle, where Tielemans arrives. But, he should have done better as he scuffs his shot.
5′ USA 0-0 BEL
McKennie gets the ball on the right side and tries to curl it into the path of Balogum. But Courtois had anticipated the pass and comes way off his line to collect the ball.
3′ USA 0-0 BEL
Four changes in Belgium’s starting lineup today, with Ngoy, Onana, Raskin and Lukebakio coming in.
1′ USA 0-0 BEL
Belgium is piling on the pressure with De Cuyper’s long throw-in being cleared away and coming to Castagne, who launches the ball from outside the box.
Freese is called into action early, and he produces a good save to keep the scores level.
Lively start from the Europeans!
Kick off!
Belgium kicks off the match, shooting from right to left.
Spain awaits the victor in the quarterfinals.
No De Bruyne in the starting lineup for Belgium!
The last time the Napoli midfielder started on the bench for Belgium was in the 2021 UEFA Nations League clash against Italy.
Why is Kevin De Bruyne not playing for Belgium vs USA in FIFA World Cup 2026 RO 16 match?
Kevin De Bruyne starts on the bench for Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against the USA.
Match starts soon!
The players are making their way into the Seattle Stadium. Ream wears the captain’s armband for USA while Tielemans leads the Red Devils out.
Find out more about the referee for this game!
Who is the referee for USA vs Belgium FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match?
Find out who the referee is for the USA vs Belgium FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match, along with the full officiating team and VAR officials.
Head-to-head record
Played: 7
Belgium: 6
USA: 1
In World Cups
Played: 2
Belgium: 2
USA: 0
Folarin Balogun starts amidst all the controversy!
Florian Balogun starts for USA against Belgium in FIFA World Cup RO16 clash
Florian Balogun starts for the USA against Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash.
Belgium starting XI (4-2-3-1)
Courtois (gk), Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper, Raskin, Onana, Lukebakio, Tielemans, Trossard, De Ketelaere
USA vs BEL LIVE: Catch the real-time updates from the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium being played at the Seattle Stadium.
Updated : Jul 07, 2026 06:59 IST
Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere celebrates with teammates after scoring his side’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against USA.
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS
Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere celebrates with teammates after scoring his side’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against USA.
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS
Welcome to Sportstar’s live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium being played at the Seattle Stadium.
MATCH OVERVIEW
Belgium starting XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois (gk), Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper, Raskin, Onana, Lukebakio, Tielemans, Trossard, De Ketelaere
USA starting XI (4-3-3): Freese (gk), Freeman, Richards, Ream, Robinson, McKennie, Adams, Tillman, Dest, Balogun, Pulisic
Venue: Seattle Stadium
ACTION FROM THE FIRST HALF
9’- Belgium took advantage of a poor clearance from USA, and Nicolas Raskin collected the ball at the edge of the box before passing it into the middle. Charles De Ketelaere was at the right place at the right time and tapped the ball into an empty goal to take the lead.
31’ – Malik Tillman scores from a free kick in back-to-back games. Thibaut Courtois had his wall set up, but Tillman’s shot took a wicked deflection off Hans Vanaken, which left the Belgian goalkeeper competely wrong footed.
33’ – De Ketelaere restored the lead in quick time. It was brilliant work from Leandro Trossard on the left wing as he collected the ball and took his time before sending in a tempting cross into the middle. De Ketelaere was once again there, and he towered over Tim Ream to head the ball into the back of the net.
62′ USA 1-3 BEL
Trossard is looking to get in on the action as he gets into the box from the left before attempting a shot. But the attempt is blocked by Adams, sending the ball out for a corner.
59′ USA 1-3 BEL | Substitution
USA: Pulisic is replaced by Berhalter.
57′ USA 1-3 BEL | GOAALL!
VANAKEN SCORES! HORRIBLE MISTAKE FROM THE USA GOALKEEPER!!
A ball is played over the top to Ketelaere, but it goes well past him and comes to Freese, who came way off his line. He takes a touch and makes a mess of a standard clearance, instead choosing to pass it sideways.
However, Ketelaere was alert and stuck out a leg, which sent the ball to Vanaken, who found the bottom right corner of an open goal from way out.
Belgium gets a two-goal lead and now a mountain to climb for the last remaining host.
54′ USA 1-2 BEL
Adams plays a lovely ball over the top for Freeman, who ran into the right side of the box. But he should have done better, as his first touch let him down, allowing the ball to roll out for a goal kick.
52′ USA 1-2 BEL
Pulisic goes down on the edge of the Belgian box after a challenge from Tielemans, but the referee waves away any shouts for a foul.
50′ USA 1-2 BEL
De Ketelaere gets the ball in the middle of the pitch and tries to find Trossard’s run into the box. But Freese is alert and comes off his line to collect the ball ahead of the Arsenal forward.
47′ USA 1-2 BEL
Seems like Reya has slotted into the midfield with the duo of Pulisic and Balogun forming the forward line.
Second half begins!
USA kicks off the second half, shooting from right to left.
USA: Dest is replaced by Gio Reyna.
A historic strike from Malik Tillman!
Malik Tillman becomes second player to score two freekick goals in same FIFA World Cup since 1966
Malik Tillman joins Bernard Genghini as the second player to score two freekick goals in a single World Cup.
Half time!
Pulisic sends the ball into the box from the right corner, but it is Courtois who meets it in the air. And the referee uses that moment to end the first half.
Charles De Ketelaere’s brace is the point of difference at the moment.
45+4′ USA 1-2 BEL
Tillman plays a lovely through ball into the box for Balogun, who seemed in pole position to reach it. But, out comes Courtois and bravely clears the ball away from danger.
45+2′ USA 1-2 BEL
Dest gets the ball and tries to go on a run down the right side. But De Cuypers does well to track back and nick the ball away.
45′ USA 1-2 BEL
Tillman launches the ball in from a throw-in on the right, and Freeman heads it forward for Balogun, whose attempt from close range goes sailing into the stands behind the goal.
Six minutes of added time to play in the first half.
43′ USA 1-2 BEL
De Cuypers stands over the ball and sends a good-looking cross into the box. Lukebakio is completely unmarked and he should have done better with his header which goes well wide of the left post.
42′ USA 1-2 BEL
Belgium gets a free kick in the opposition half after Vanaken is sent to the floor by Richards.
39′ USA 1-2 BEL
Tielemans sends an outswinging corner from the right, which is directed towards the goal by Raksin. But Freese watches the ball closely and makes an easy save.
35′ USA 1-2 BEL
And the first booking of the game goes to Weston McKennie, who is punished for a late sliding challenge.
33′ USA 1-2 BEL | GOAALL!
DE KETELAERE SCORES AGAIN! THE LEAD IS RESTORED IN QUICK TIME!
Brilliant work from Trossard on the left wing as he collects the ball and takes his time before sending in a tempting cross into the middle.
De Ketelaere is once again there, and he towers over Ream to head the ball into the back of the net.
31′ USA 1-1 BEL | GOAALL!
TILLMAN SCORES!! HE SCORES FROM A FREE KICK IN BACK-TO-BACK GAMES!
Courtois had his wall set up but Tillman’s shot takes a wicked deflection off Vanaken, which leaves the Belgian goalkeeper competely wrong footed.
30′ USA 0-1 BEL
USA gets a free kick in a good shooting position after Balogun is fouled by Mechele.
29′ USA 0-1 BEL
USA finds breaks a long spell of Belgium possession with Weston McKennie drawing a foul from Raskin in USA’s half.
24′ USA 0-1 BEL
Now a chance for both teams to gather their breath as the referee blows his whistle for the Hydration Break.
22′ USA 0-1 BEL
Sloppy from Chris Richards who messes up a clearance by slamming it straight into De Ketelaere.
However, he will be thanking his stars as he gets another opportunity to boot the ball away after the Belgian forward is unable to bring it under control.
20′ USA 0-1 BEL | Substitution
Belgium: Onana is replaced by Vanaken.
19′ USA 0-1 BEL
And this is not good for Belgium, as it looks like Onana will not be able to continue. His teammates are seen consoling him on the bench.
17′ USA 0-1 BEL
Play is paused as Onana is on the floor with some sort of injury. He is receiving treatment on the pitch.
16′ USA 0-1 BEL
Rudi Garcia will be extremely happy with his team’s start and especially with two of his changes combining for the opening goal.
13′ USA 0-1 BEL
Belgium is not backing down as crosses are swung into the box, with Trossard among those who have a go at goal. The American defence is barely holding on at the moment.
11′ USA 0-1 BEL
Mauricio Pochettino is visibly unhappy with his team’s defending there as cameras show the Argentine in the USA dugout with a confused look on his face.
9′ USA 0-1 BEL | GOAALL!
DE KETELAERE SCORES!!
Belgium takes advantage of a poor clearance from USA, and Raskin collects the ball at the edge of the box before passing it into the middle.
De Ketelaere is at the right place at the right time and taps the ball into an empty goal to take the lead.
8′ USA 0-0 BEL
Lukebakio with a brilliant run past bodies in the opposition half before playing it through for Castagne, who made an overlapping run.
The right-back squares it into the middle, where Tielemans arrives. But, he should have done better as he scuffs his shot.
5′ USA 0-0 BEL
McKennie gets the ball on the right side and tries to curl it into the path of Balogum. But Courtois had anticipated the pass and comes way off his line to collect the ball.
3′ USA 0-0 BEL
Four changes in Belgium’s starting lineup today, with Ngoy, Onana, Raskin and Lukebakio coming in.
1′ USA 0-0 BEL
Belgium is piling on the pressure with De Cuyper’s long throw-in being cleared away and coming to Castagne, who launches the ball from outside the box.
Freese is called into action early, and he produces a good save to keep the scores level.
Lively start from the Europeans!
Kick off!
Belgium kicks off the match, shooting from right to left.
Spain awaits the victor in the quarterfinals.
No De Bruyne in the starting lineup for Belgium!
The last time the Napoli midfielder started on the bench for Belgium was in the 2021 UEFA Nations League clash against Italy.
Why is Kevin De Bruyne not playing for Belgium vs USA in FIFA World Cup 2026 RO 16 match?
Kevin De Bruyne starts on the bench for Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against the USA.
Match starts soon!
The players are making their way into the Seattle Stadium. Ream wears the captain’s armband for USA while Tielemans leads the Red Devils out.
Find out more about the referee for this game!
Who is the referee for USA vs Belgium FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match?
Find out who the referee is for the USA vs Belgium FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match, along with the full officiating team and VAR officials.
Head-to-head record
Played: 7
Belgium: 6
USA: 1
In World Cups
Played: 2
Belgium: 2
USA: 0
Folarin Balogun starts amidst all the controversy!
Florian Balogun starts for USA against Belgium in FIFA World Cup RO16 clash
Florian Balogun starts for the USA against Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash.
Belgium starting XI (4-2-3-1)
Courtois (gk), Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper, Raskin, Onana, Lukebakio, Tielemans, Trossard, De Ketelaere
#Deadspin #Hawks #acquire #Aaron #Wiggins #trade #Thunder">Deadspin | Hawks acquire G Aaron Wiggins in trade with Thunder
Apr 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) against the Phoenix Suns during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Hawks acquired guard Aaron Wiggins from the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday in exchange for second-round draft picks in 2030 and 2032.
Wiggins, 27, was a second-round draft pick by the Thunder in 2021 and made 35 starts the following season as a rookie when he averaged 8.3 points with 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 50 total games.
During the Thunder’s championship season of 2024-25, Wiggins made 26 regular-season starts then played in 22 of 23 playoff games as Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in a seven-game NBA Finals.
Wiggins has averaged 8.7 points with 3.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 339 regular-season games (100 starts) over the past five seasons. He has averaged 4.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 45 playoff games over nine separate series.
SILVIS, ILLINOIS – JULY 05: Chris Gotterup of the United States poses with the winner’s trophy after winning the John Deere Classic 2026 at TPC Deere Run on July 05, 2026 in Silvis, Illinois. (Photo by Tyler Clouse/Getty Images) Getty Images
Gotterup’s comeback was two strokes shy of the largest in tournament history (Roger Maltbie overcame a 7-shot deficit in 1975), but it was his largest individually as he “only” overcame a four-stroke deficit to win the WM Phoenix Open earlier this season.
The Sony Open was also claimed by Gotterup which means he has three victories on Tour this season. This most recent one comes a week before the Genesis Scottish Open where Gotterup is also reigning champion. Like I said, his world.
Following the Scottish the world of golf will see its final major this year in the Open Championship. Right now Chris Gotterup makes as much sense as anybody.
SILVIS, ILLINOIS – JULY 05: Chris Gotterup of the United States poses with the winner’s trophy after winning the John Deere Classic 2026 at TPC Deere Run on July 05, 2026 in Silvis, Illinois. (Photo by Tyler Clouse/Getty Images) Getty Images
Gotterup’s comeback was two strokes shy of the largest in tournament history (Roger Maltbie overcame a 7-shot deficit in 1975), but it was his largest individually as he “only” overcame a four-stroke deficit to win the WM Phoenix Open earlier this season.
The Sony Open was also claimed by Gotterup which means he has three victories on Tour this season. This most recent one comes a week before the Genesis Scottish Open where Gotterup is also reigning champion. Like I said, his world.
Following the Scottish the world of golf will see its final major this year in the Open Championship. Right now Chris Gotterup makes as much sense as anybody.
#Chris #Gotterup #wins #John #Deere #Classic #PGA #Tour #victory">Chris Gotterup wins John Deere Classic for fifth PGA Tour victory
It is Chris Gotterup’s world and everyone is just living in it.
Things certainly seem that way as Gotterup picked up his fifth career PGA Tour victory on Sunday at the John Deere Classic. Gotterup began Sunday five shots back of the lead and carded a final round of 62 to take home the win. Pretty impressive stuff.
SILVIS, ILLINOIS – JULY 05: Chris Gotterup of the United States poses with the winner’s trophy after winning the John Deere Classic 2026 at TPC Deere Run on July 05, 2026 in Silvis, Illinois. (Photo by Tyler Clouse/Getty Images) Getty Images
Gotterup’s comeback was two strokes shy of the largest in tournament history (Roger Maltbie overcame a 7-shot deficit in 1975), but it was his largest individually as he “only” overcame a four-stroke deficit to win the WM Phoenix Open earlier this season.
The Sony Open was also claimed by Gotterup which means he has three victories on Tour this season. This most recent one comes a week before the Genesis Scottish Open where Gotterup is also reigning champion. Like I said, his world.
Following the Scottish the world of golf will see its final major this year in the Open Championship. Right now Chris Gotterup makes as much sense as anybody.
#Wimbledon #Kostyuk #Mertens #enter #maiden #quarterfinals">Wimbledon 2026 — Kostyuk, Mertens enter maiden quarterfinals
Ukrainian 12th seed Marta Kostyuk booked her place in a maiden Wimbledon quarterfinal on Monday, continuing her excellent run of form with a straight-sets win over qualifier Ashlyn Krueger.
Kostyuk, who enjoyed her best performance at a Grand Slam by reaching the French Open semifinals last month, overturned a 4-2 deficit in the second set to win 6-4, 6-4.
She will next face former finalist Jasmine Paolini of Italy for a last-four place.
Mertens continues strong run
Belgium’s Elise Mertens reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the first time with a 6-4, 6-4 win against Czech 21st seed Marie Bouzkova on Monday.
Mertens, seeded 25th, followed her shock third round win over second seed Elena Rybakina with another commanding performance at the grass-court Grand Slam.
She is finally into the last eight at the All England Club at the ninth attempt.
The 30-year-old’s only Grand Slam semifinal appearance came at the 2018 Australian Open.
Mertens, a two-time Wimbledon doubles winner, faces Czech ninth seed Linda Noskova or 2025 Australian Open champion Madison Keys in the quarterfinals.
Paolini ends Eala’s run in three sets
Jasmine Paolini reached her first Grand Slam quarter-final for two years, edging out rising Filipina star Alexandra Eala in a tense last 16 match at Wimbledon on Monday.
Italian 13th seed Paolini ended the run of Iga Swiatek’s conqueror Eala with a gritty 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 victory on Centre Court.
“I feel so lucky to have this opportunity and so lucky to get the win,” said Paolini, before addressing the watching Roger Federer in the royal box.
“I just needed to stay focused and don’t think about him (Federer) being here… It’s an amazing feeling to be here right now with the win.”
Paolini will face Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine in her first major quarterfinal since reaching the Wimbledon final in 2024, when she lost to Barbora Krejcikova in three sets.
The Italian was also the French Open runner-up to Swiatek in 2024.
She has struggled for most of this season but has rediscovered her form at the All England Club since losing the opening set of her first-round match 6-0.
“After the first set in the first round I was like ‘Okay, it can only go better’… point by point, game by game, I was feeling better,” Paolini added.
The 21-year-old Eala had become the first woman from the Philippines to reach the third and fourth rounds of a Slam, but despite threatening a comeback in the second set, could not get the better of the wily Paolini.
The 30-year-old Paolini clinched a nip-and-tuck opening set with a break, having failed to serve it out in the previous game.
After the players traded early breaks in the second set, 29th seed Eala broke for a 4-3 lead and then held from 0-40 down in the next game.
The left-hander managed to close it out to force a decider.
The vital moment of a nervy third set came when Paolini broke in the eighth game, before serving it out confidently despite falling 0-30 down.
Noskova downs Keys
Czech ninth seed Linda Noskova saw off Madison Keys in straight sets on Monday to reach the Wimbledon last eight for the first time.
The 21-year-old, whose only previous Grand Slam quarter-final came at the 2024 Australian Open, knocked out American 26th seed Keys with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/2) victory.
Noskova will take on Belgian Elise Mertens for a semifinal place.
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