USA vs Belgium Prediction, Preview, Team News and Expected Lineups

USA will take on Belgium in the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026, aiming to seal their spot in the quarter-finals. USA have shown an impressive run on home turf, quietly working their way into the conversation as dark horses for the title. However, there are still plenty of concerns they need to look at before anyone starts talking seriously about a trophy. A comfortable 2–0 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina in the last round only added to the growing sense of belief, coming off the back of group-stage victories against Paraguay and Australia.

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But Mauricio Pochettino will want his side to tread carefully heading into Monday’s clash in Seattle. Belgium have talent up and down their squad, and even though they started their World Cup on a shaky note. Belgium showed real fight in their last outing as they defeated Senegal 3–2.

The Americans know exactly what Belgium is capable of. Back in March, Rudi Garcia’s side thumped them 5–2, extending the USA’s losing streak against the Red Devils to six games in a row. That result was the first time the two teams had met since their 2014 World Cup round-of-16 battle, which Belgium edged 2–1 after extra time.

Quick match details

Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2026

Stage: Round of 16

Date: July 6

Kick-off Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST & 5:30 a.m. (July 7)

Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle, United States

USA vs Belgium: Match Preview and Current Form

USA

USA’s best World Cup outing came back in 1930, when they ended the tournament sitting in third place. However, the national team has not managed to make it past the quarter-finals since. In World Cup 2002, the United States were present in the final eight, but they failed to enter the Round of 16 in each of their last three tournaments (2010, 2014, 2022).

Mauricio Pochettino’s side topped Group D with six points to secure a spot in the round of 32, where they managed to beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0. If the USA manages to beat Belgium, they will face either Portugal or Spain in the quarter-finals.

World Cup Form: W-W-L-W

Belgium

Belgium head into the match full of confidence as they have actually won six of their previous seven meetings between these two teams, with USA’s only win coming at the 1930 World Cup. The last time both USA and Belgium faced each other took place in March 2026, and it was the former that recorded a 5-2 success, making it six straight wins against the Stars and Stripes.

Belgium ended their Group stage at the top with five points. They faced Senegal in their Round of 32 clash where they were pushed to the limit in one of the most exciting matches of the tournament. Belgium looked to be heading for an early exit as they trailed 2-0 with just five minutes left. But they made a strong comeback. Romelu Lukaku pulled one back before Youri Tielemans quickly equalised to force extra time. Then, in the 120th minute, Tielemans kept his composure from the penalty spot to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory.

Belgium will take confidence from their strong record against the United States, but playing on home soil gives the Stars and Stripes an added boost. With both teams carrying momentum into this clash, an entertaining contest could be on the cards.

World Cup Form: D-D-W-W

USA vs Belgium: Team News and Injury Updates

USA

The United States were expected to be without Folarin Balogun after the striker was given a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the previous round. However, in a surprise move, FIFA announced on Sunday that Balogun’s one-match suspension had been suspended following an intervention by US President Donald Trump. The decision has sparked controversy, especially with Balogun already scoring three goals at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The US could still have a couple of injury concerns heading into the match. Mark McKenzie is being monitored after picking up a foot problem, while Cristian Roldan is also being assessed with a muscle issue. Regardless, key players such as Sergiño Dest, Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams are all expected to be included in the starting XI

Belgium

Belgium also have few setbacks ahead of the clash. Zeno Debast remains doubtful as he continues to recover from a leg injury that has kept him out throughout the tournament.

Romelu Lukaku, who has scored twice in four World Cup appearances, is likely to be on bench in the first half, with the veteran striker likely to be introduced in the second half. Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard has recovered from a minor injury scare and is expected to start alongside Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku as Belgium look to book their place in the next round.