The United States and Belgium meet in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup with a place in the quarter-finals at stake as the knockout stage continues.
The USA reached this stage with a disciplined 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32. Despite playing with 10 men for 30 minutes, they produced a composed display to secure their place in the last 16.
Belgium’s route was far more dramatic. They looked to be heading out after falling 2-0 behind against Senegal, but a stunning late comeback saw them score three unanswered goals to claim a memorable 3-2 victory in extra time.
Both nations have already shown they can handle the pressure of knockout football, albeit in very different ways. Now, they face off with a place in the quarter-finals on the line, where either Portugal or Spain await in Los Angeles.
How to watch USA vs Belgium
USA vs Belgium kicks off at 22:00 GMT on Monday, July 6 at the Seattle Stadium.
This match will be shown live in the UK on BBC One, with streaming also available via BBC iPlayer.
In the United States, World Cup coverage is available on FOX Sports and Telemundo.
In Canada, coverage is available on CTV, TSN and RDS.
USA team news
The biggest talking point for the USA heading into this tie was how they would replace Folarin Balogun. Now they don’t have to.
The striker picked up a red card in the round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina and was meant to be suspended for this one. But, in a dramatic move that has caused serious backlash, FIFA have suspended his suspension for one year.
Mauricio Pochettino won’t care much for the politics of the situation; he will just be happy to have the striker available.
Elsewhere, Pochettino is unlikely to make too many changes to the side that reached the last 16. Matt Freese should continue in goal behind a settled back four of Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson.
Tyler Adams will once again anchor the midfield, with Weston McKennie and Malik Tillman expected to provide the energy and creativity further forward.
Christian Pulisic remains the main attacking threat and will be key if the USA are to trouble Belgium’s experienced defence.
Expected XI:
(4-3-3) Freese – Freeman, Richards, Ream, Robinson – McKennie, Adams, Tillman – Dest, Balogun, Pulisic.
Belgium team news
Belgium also have no real selection concerns after completing their remarkable comeback against Senegal..
Kevin De Bruyne remains the creative heartbeat of the team and will once again operate behind Charles De Ketelaere, with the pace of Jeremy Doku and the experience of Leandro Trossard providing plenty of attacking quality out wide.
Youri Tielemans and Hans Vanaken are expected to continue their partnership in midfield. Thibaut Courtois will marshal a defence of Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele, Arthur Theate and Maxim De Cuyper.
Belgium have looked vulnerable at times during the tournament, but they have the quality to change games. Senegal discovered that in the previous round.
Expected XI:
(4-2-3-1) Courtois – Castagne, Mechele, Theate, De Cuyper – Tielemans, Vanaken – Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard – De Ketelaere.
USA vs Belgium stats
- The USA kept a clean sheet despite playing with 10 men for much of their 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32.
- The United States are aiming to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002.
- Christian Pulisic has been directly involved in three of the USA’s goals at the 2026 World Cup (two goals, one assist).
- The USA have kept two clean sheets in their four matches at the tournament.
- Belgium recovered from 2-0 down to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time.
- Belgium have scored in every match they have played at the 2026 World Cup.
- Kevin De Bruyne has registered three assists at the tournament, the joint-most of any player remaining in the competition.
- Belgium have reached the World Cup knockout stages in each of their last five tournament appearances.
USA vs Belgium prediction
This feels like one of the tougher ties to call in the round of 16.
The USA have quietly gone about their business throughout the tournament. Even after being reduced to 10 men against Bosnia and Herzegovina, they looked organised, disciplined and fully deserving of their 2-0 victory.
Belgium, coming from 2-0 down to beat Senegal in extra time, showed the character within the squad, but it also highlighted some of the defensive issues that have followed them throughout the tournament.
The USA will fancy their chances of exploiting those weaknesses. Christian Pulisic has looked dangerous whenever he has been given space to run into, while the return of Folarin Balogun gives Mauricio Pochettino another clinical option in the final third.
I don’t expect either side to dominate proceedings. The USA have shown they are difficult to break down, while Belgium have enough experience to manage the big moments when the pressure is at its highest.
That makes both teams to score an appealing option. Belgium have found the net eight times in the last two games. While the USA have looked increasingly confident going forward as the competition has progressed.
The home advantage will be massive for the USA in this one and I feel that could push them over the line. USA to qualify is my pick for this.
I’d also back Christian Pulisic to score anytime. The US winger should find more pockets of space against Belgium who are likely to push forward more than any team the USA have faced so far.
