USA will go head-to-head with Belgium in a 2026 Fifa World Cup round-of-16 match set to be played at Lumen Field in Seattle, USA, on Tuesday.
Kick-off is at 2:00 am CAT.
CURRENT FORM
The Stars and Stripes enter this match in a buoyant mood after advancing from a competitive group unbeaten before defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the round of 32 on Thursday.
The USA have shown resilience and enjoyed home advantage so far in the tournament, and they need to produce a strong performance to progress past Belgium, as they look to go as far as the final for the first time in their history.
Belgium, meanwhile, also remain undefeated, having won their group before claiming a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Senegal after extra time in the round of 32 on Wednesday.
The Red Devils will bring a mix of experienced leadership and emerging talent as they aim to reach the quarterfinals and push further following their strong showing in 2018, when they achieved their best-ever performance, finishing third.
TEAM NEWS
The USA will be without Folarin Balogun, who is suspended after the striker was shown a red card in the 64th minute during the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
However, Christian Pulisic remains the focal point and is fully fit to lead the line, supported by the likes of Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie in midfield and attack.
Belgium, on the other hand, had no major absences for their round of 32 match and their core remains fully intact.
Kevin De Bruyne is fully fit and starting regularly, adding creativity and vision to the attack, while Romelu Lukaku is likely to lead the line with his physical presence and finishing.
WHAT WAS SAID?
USA Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino
"I think football is possible if you believe," the Argentine said about facing Belgium.
"We are going to respect Belgium. With our fans in Seattle, I think we can be very competitive and, of course, try to win the game and advance to the next round."
Belgium Right-Back Timothy Castagne
“As soon as it turns a little less good for them, [the crowd] can also turn against them, and they will have more pressure,” Castagne said.
“So, I don’t have a problem, it doesn’t bother me. We play and we don’t hear what’s going on around the pitch. When we’re on the pitch, we’re a bit in our bubble.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Christian Pulisic, USA: The AC Milan forward has caught the eye with his pace, dribbling, and directness, which saw him grab an assist in the convincing win over Paraguay in the group stage.
Pulisic's ability to create chaos in transition can terrorise Belgium’s defence and exploit spaces behind their full-backs.
Youri Tielemans, Belgium: The Aston Villa midfielder has been influential in this tournament so far, and he scored the two vital goals against Senegal.
Tielemans' ability to dictate midfield battles and deliver key passes makes the Belgium captain capable of unlocking the USA backline with smart, incisive play, and he will be a threat in front of goal.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The two teams have met seven times in all competitions, with Belgium winning five and the USA once.
Their last meeting was a friendly in March 2025, which Belgium won 5-2.
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