| Belgium vs USA | |
| MATCH | FIFA World Cup 2026 |
| DATE | 07 - 07 - 2026 |
| TIME | 05.30 AM IST |
| STADIUM | Lumen Field |
FIFA World Cup 2026: USA vs Belgium Match Preview, Team News, Predicted Lineups & Prediction
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 serves up a fascinating contest as co-hosts USA face Belgium in a winner-takes-all clash. With a place in the quarter-finals on the line, the Stars and Stripes will look to capitalize on home support, while Belgium aim to continue their impressive record against the Americans and move one step closer to World Cup glory.
Match Preview
USA have enjoyed a promising campaign under head coach Mauricio Pochettino. The hosts finished top of Group D with six points before producing another disciplined display in the Round of 32, defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 to secure their place in the knockout stages.
The Americans are chasing their first World Cup quarter-final appearance since 2002. Their greatest achievement at the tournament remains the third-place finish at the inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930, but they have been eliminated in the Round of 16 in each of their last three World Cup appearances.
Standing in their path is a confident Belgian side that has historically dominated this fixture. The Red Devils have won six of their previous seven meetings with the United States, with the Americans' lone victory coming nearly a century ago at the 1930 World Cup. Belgium also claimed a convincing 5-2 win when the two sides met earlier this year, extending their dominance in the rivalry.
Belgium reached the knockout rounds after finishing first in Group G with five points before producing one of the tournament's most memorable comebacks. Trailing Senegal 2-0 late in the Round of 32, Romelu Lukaku sparked the revival before Youri Tielemans equalised. Tielemans then completed the dramatic turnaround with a last-minute extra-time penalty to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory.
After finishing third at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and suffering a disappointing group-stage exit in Qatar four years later, Belgium are determined to return to the latter stages of the competition. With a blend of experienced leaders and exciting attacking talent, Rudi Garcia's side will be confident of progressing.
The winners of this encounter will advance to the quarter-finals, where either Portugal or Spain await in another blockbuster European showdown.
Team News
USA will be without leading striker Folarin Balogun, who is suspended following his red card in the victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun has scored three goals during the tournament, making his absence a significant setback. Ricardo Pepi is expected to lead the attack in his place.
Defender Mark McKenzie remains doubtful with a foot injury, while Cristian Roldan is also being monitored after picking up a muscle problem. Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah and Sergiño Dest are all expected to keep their places in the starting lineup.
Belgium could again be without defender Zeno Debast, who continues to recover from injury and has yet to feature in the tournament. Leandro Trossard has shaken off a minor fitness concern and is expected to start alongside Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku behind the central striker.
Romelu Lukaku has scored twice at the tournament but is once again expected to begin on the bench, with the experienced forward likely to be introduced during the second half if needed.
Prediction
USA have impressed with their discipline, organisation and resilience throughout the tournament, and playing in front of their home fans gives them a genuine opportunity to spring an upset. However, Belgium's experience in major tournaments, combined with the creativity of Kevin De Bruyne and the pace of Jeremy Doku, gives the Red Devils a slight edge.
Expect a tightly contested encounter with both sides creating chances, but Belgium's superior quality in key moments could prove decisive.
Prediction: USA 1-2 Belgium