Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 – 02:00 AM
Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle, United States
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 16
Co-hosts USA continue their bid for a first World Cup quarter-final appearance since 2002 when they take on Belgium in Seattle.
The Americans defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina in the previous round, while Belgium staged a remarkable comeback against Senegal to book their place in the last 16.
Match Preview
The United States are enjoying one of their best World Cup campaigns in recent memory.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side topped Group D with six points before producing a professional 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32.
The Americans are now just one win away from reaching the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002, having exited at the Round of 16 in each of their previous three tournament appearances.
Playing on home soil has undoubtedly given the Stars and Stripes a significant boost, and their energetic, high-pressing style has caused problems for several opponents.
However, history is not on their side.
Belgium have won six of the previous seven meetings between the two nations, including a convincing 5-2 victory in a friendly earlier this year.
The Red Devils also arrive in Seattle full of confidence after one of the comebacks of the tournament.
Trailing Senegal 2-0 with just five minutes remaining, Belgium mounted an extraordinary recovery. Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans struck in quick succession to force extra time before Tielemans converted a dramatic penalty in the 120th minute to seal a 3-2 victory.
Rudi Garcia’s side have not always been convincing, but their quality and experience make them a dangerous opponent.
Form Guide
USA – World Cup Form
W W L W
USA – Last Six Matches
W L W W L W
Belgium – World Cup Form
D D W W
Belgium – Last Six Matches
W W D D W W
Team News
The biggest talking point ahead of the match surrounds Folarin Balogun.
The striker was initially suspended after being sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA has overturned the one-match ban, making him available for selection.
🗣️ "It's nothing to debate."
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 6, 2026
Mauricio Pochettino on Folarin Balogun's one-game ban being suspended by Fifa following an intervention by Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/irrR0BvQD8
Balogun has already scored three goals at the tournament and his return is a huge boost for the hosts.
Defender Mark McKenzie and midfielder Cristian Roldan will both need late fitness tests.
Belgium continue to monitor Zeno Debast, who remains a doubt due to a leg injury.
Romelu Lukaku could once again start on the bench after making a decisive impact as a substitute against Senegal.
The likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard are all expected to start.
Predicted Lineups
USA (4-3-3)
Matt Freese; Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson; Malik Tillman, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie; Sergino Dest, Folarin Balogun, Christian Pulisic.
Belgium (4-2-3-1)
Thibaut Courtois; Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele, Arthur Theate, Maxim De Cuyper; Hans Vanaken, Youri Tielemans; Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku; Charles De Ketelaere.
Players to Watch
- 🇺🇸 Christian Pulisic – The captain continues to lead by example and remains America’s biggest attacking threat.
- 🇺🇸 Folarin Balogun – Already has three goals at the tournament and returns after his suspension was overturned.
- 🇧🇪 Kevin De Bruyne – Belgium’s creative genius and the player capable of deciding the biggest matches.
- 🇧🇪 Jeremy Doku – His pace and dribbling could cause serious problems for the USA defence.
Head-to-Head
Belgium have dominated this fixture, winning six of the previous seven meetings between the two nations.
The Americans’ only victory came at the inaugural World Cup in 1930.
Belgium also recorded a 5-2 victory over the USA in a friendly in March 2026.
MaltaSport Prediction
This has all the ingredients of one of the most entertaining matches of the Round of 16.
The USA have momentum, home support and a young, energetic squad, while Belgium possess experience and world-class quality in key positions.
The Red Devils looked vulnerable against Senegal, and with the crowd behind them, the Americans may just have enough to pull off a memorable victory.
Prediction: USA 2-1 Belgium
Match Tip: Both teams to score.
