USA vs Belgium World Cup 2026 Round of 16: All You Need to Know

The United States men's national team will try to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002 when they take on Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle on Tuesday, July 7, with kickoff set for midnight ET. Mauricio Pochettino’s side topped their group with six points and cruised past Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the round of 32. There was a scare when Folarin Balogun was sent off in that match, but FIFA overturned the red card on Sunday, meaning the striker — who has scored three goals at this World Cup — is available. Losing him would have been a massive blow for the Americans. The U.S. have never advanced beyond the quarterfinals since finishing third way back in 1930. In their last three appearances (2010, 2014, 2022), they were eliminated in the Round of 16. Belgium also won their group, collecting five points, and then produced a dramatic comeback in the round of 32 against Senegal. Trailing 2-0 with five minutes left, veteran duo Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans pulled them level before Tielemans converted a penalty in the 120th minute to win 3-2. The Red Devils have owned this rivalry: six wins in seven meetings, with the only U.S. win coming at the 1930 tournament. Their most recent clash in March 2026 ended in a 5-2 Belgian rout — their sixth straight victory over the Americans. Belgium finished third in 2018 but crashed out in the group stage in Qatar four years ago. Rudi Garcia’s team will rely on their historical edge, while the U.S. hope home-field advantage and a passionate Seattle crowd can fuel an upset. The winner will face either Portugal or Spain in the quarterfinals. Probable lineups: USA: Freese — Robinson, Richards, Ream, Freeman — Tillman, Adams — Pulisic, McKennie, Dest — Balogun. Belgium: Courtois — De Cuyper, Theate, Mechele, Castagne — Vanaken, Tielemans — Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku — Lukaku. Odds: USA win in regulation — 2.71, Belgium win — 2.60, draw — 3.50. To qualify: USA 1.95, Belgium 1.85.