Predicted lineups, stats and previews for the World Cup’s Last-16 clash
A place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup will be at stake when the USA take on Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle on Monday.
The hosts are looking to reach the final stage of the World Cup for the first time since 2002, and Belgium will be aiming to continue their impressive run after producing one of the most shocking comebacks in the Round of 32.
The Americans topped Group D with six points before beating Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 to keep their World Cup dream alive.
Home support can also prove a big factor. As the game will be played in Seattle, the USA will expect a biased atmosphere as they try to defeat one of the most experienced international teams in Europe.
Standing in their way is a Belgian side who showed their thick skin in the previous round.
The Red Devils looked set to crash out of the competition after going 2-0 down to Senegal with just minutes to go, but a late turnaround saw Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans force extra time before Tielemans converted a 120th-minute penalty to win 3-2.
Belgium also has recent history on its side. They defeated the USA 5-2 in a friendly earlier this year and have won six of the last seven meetings between the countries.
However, playoff football often produces surprises, and the USA will feel they have a real chance of reaching the quarter-finals in front of their fans.
The winners will face either Portugal or Spain in the last eight.
USA vs Belgium team news
The USA received a big boost before the game as Folarin Balogun could be selected even though he was initially suspended following his red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
This striker has scored three goals in the 2026 World Cup and is expected to score again.
Mark McKenzie and Cristian Roldan will both undergo pre-season tests, while Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie are all expected to start.
Belgium are still monitoring Zeno Debast, who is still a doubt due to injury.
Romelu Lukaku made a big impact off the bench against Senegal and could be used as a second-half option, while Charles De Ketelaere is expected to start in attack.
Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard will all be in the attacking team for Belgium.
USA vs Belgium expected matches
USA starting XI: Freeze; Freeman, Richards, Ream, Robinson; Tillman, Adams, McKennie; Dest, Balogun, Pulisic
Belgium starting XI: Courtois; Castagne, Theater, Mechele, De Cuyper; Vanaken, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; De Ketelaere
Where to watch USA vs Belgium: TV channel, live streaming online
The game will take place on Monday, July 6 at Lumen Field in Seattle. Kick-off will be at 01:00 BST on Tuesday morning.
In the UK, the 2026 World Cup matches are shown live on all BBC and ITV platforms, with live streaming available on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. The show will be broadcast on BBC 1.
USA vs Belgium statistics
- The USA is aiming to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the first time since 2002
- Folarin Balogun has scored three goals in the 2026 World Cup
- Christian Pulisic was directly involved in many goals during the tournament
- Belgium are unbeaten at the 2026 World Cup, recording two draws and two wins
- The Red Devils have scored in all four games in this competition
- Belgium have won six of their last seven matches against the USA
- The Red Devils defeated the USA 5-2 in a friendly in March 2026
- Belgium have reached at least the quarter-finals in two of the last three tournaments they have entered
- Kevin De Bruyne has played for Belgium in four different World Cups
USA vs Belgium Prediction
This has the potential to be one of the most exciting teams this round.
Belgium have outstanding experience and attacking quality, but their defensive weaknesses were exposed against Senegal, and they may struggle to deal with the intensity of a USA team playing in front of their home support.
The Americans have looked well-rounded throughout the tournament and, with Balogun again available alongside Pulisic, they could cut through a tough competition to reach the quarter-finals.
Prediction: USA 2-1 Belgium
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