A place in the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals will be on the line when USA take on Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle on Monday.
The hosts are looking to reach the last eight of a World Cup for the first time since 2002, while Belgium are aiming to continue their impressive run after producing one of the tournament’s most dramatic comebacks in the Round of 32.
The Americans topped Group D with six points before comfortably dispatching Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 to keep their World Cup dream alive.
Home support could also prove a major factor. With the match taking place in Seattle, USA will expect a partisan atmosphere as they attempt to overcome one of Europe’s most experienced international sides.
Standing in their way is a Belgium team that demonstrated their thick skin in the previous round.
The Red Devils appeared to be heading out of the tournament after falling 2-0 behind against Senegal with just minutes remaining, but a late turnaround saw Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans force extra time before Tielemans converted a 120th-minute penalty to seal a 3-2 win.
Belgium also have recent history on their side. They defeated USA 5-2 in a friendly earlier this year and have won six of the previous seven meetings between the nations.
However, knockout football often produces surprises, and USA will feel they have a realistic opportunity to reach the quarter-finals in front of their own supporters.
The winners will face either Portugal or Spain in the last eight.
Team news for USA vs Belgium
USA received a major boost ahead of the match with Folarin Balogun available for selection despite initially facing suspension following his red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The striker has scored three goals at World Cup 2026 and is expected to lead the line once again.
Mark McKenzie and Cristian Roldan will both be assessed ahead of kick-off, while Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie are all expected to start.
Belgium are still monitoring Zeno Debast, who remains a doubt due to injury.
Romelu Lukaku made a huge impact from the bench against Senegal and could again be used as a second-half option, with Charles De Ketelaere expected to start in attack.
Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard are all set to feature in Belgium’s attacking unit.
Expected line-ups for USA vs Belgium
USA starting XI: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, Robinson; Tillman, Adams, McKennie; Dest, Balogun, Pulisic
Belgium starting XI: Courtois; Castagne, Theate, Mechele, De Cuyper; Vanaken, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; De Ketelaere
Where to watch USA vs Belgium: TV channel, online live stream
The match takes place on Monday, July 6 at Lumen Field in Seattle. Kick-off is at 01:00 BST early on Tuesday.
In the UK, World Cup 2026 matches are being shown live across BBC and ITV platforms, with live streaming available via BBC iPlayer and ITVX. This match will be broadcast on BBC 1.
USA vs Belgium stats
- USA are aiming to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002
- Folarin Balogun has scored three goals at World Cup 2026
- Christian Pulisic has been directly involved in multiple goals during the tournament
- Belgium are unbeaten at World Cup 2026, recording two draws and two wins
- The Red Devils have scored in all four of their matches at the tournament
- Belgium have won six of their previous seven meetings with USA
- The Red Devils defeated USA 5-2 in a friendly in March 2026
- Belgium have reached at least the quarter-finals in two of the last three World Cups they have qualified for
- Kevin De Bruyne has now featured in four different World Cup tournaments for Belgium
Prediction for USA vs Belgium
This has the potential to be one of the most entertaining ties of the round.
Belgium possess outstanding experience and attacking quality, but their defensive vulnerabilities were exposed against Senegal, and they may struggle to cope with the intensity of a USA side playing in front of home support.
The Americans have looked well organised throughout the tournament and, with Balogun available again alongside Pulisic, they can edge a tight contest to reach the quarter-finals.
Prediction: USA 2-1 Belgium
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