USA vs. Belgium: Everything You Need to Know
The ghosts of 2014 return to center stage Monday night.
Twelve years after Belgium ended the United States’ World Cup dream in an unforgettable Round of 16 thriller in Brazil, the two nations meet again with a quarterfinal berth on the line. This time, however, the Americans will have home support behind them in Seattle and renewed confidence after their first World Cup knockout victory since 2002.
For Mauricio Pochettino’s squad, the opportunity is about more than revenge. A win would send the United States to its first World Cup quarterfinal since 2002 and further cement what has already become the nation’s best tournament run in more than two decades.
Match Information
Match: United States vs. Belgium
Competition: FIFA World Cup Round of 16
Date: Monday, July 6, 2026
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. local)
Venue: Lumen Field
Location: Seattle, Washington
Stadium Capacity: Approximately 69,000
TV, Radio & Streaming
- TV: FOX (English), Telemundo (Spanish)
- Streaming: FOX One, Fubo, Telemundo Deportes platforms
- Radio: SiriusXM FC and local affiliates
Weather
Seattle is expected to provide nearly ideal soccer conditions.
- High: 72°F
- Kickoff temperature: Around 66°F
- Mostly sunny skies
- Light winds
- Little chance of rain
FIFA Rankings
Entering the tournament:
- Belgium: No. 8
- United States: No. 15
Belgium owns the higher ranking, but the gap between the two sides has narrowed considerably over the past several years.
Group Stage Results
United States
The Americans won Group D with seven points.
- Defeated Turkey
- Defeated Australia
- Drew Paraguay
The U.S. then defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32 to reach the knockout stage for the second consecutive World Cup.
Belgium
Belgium won Group G before surviving a 3-2 battle against Senegal in the Round of 32.
While Belgium has advanced, the Red Devils have looked vulnerable defensively throughout the tournament and have conceded goals in each of their knockout matches.
Familiar Opponents
The teams met in a March friendly in Atlanta, but both managers rotated heavily and treated the match as preparation rather than a measuring stick.
That result offers little predictive value.
Monday is an entirely different environment. Every challenge carries more weight. Every mistake could end a World Cup run.
Balogun Cleared to Play
For much of the weekend, it appeared the United States would be without leading scorer Folarin Balogun after his controversial red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
That changed Sunday.
FIFA suspended Balogun’s one-match ban, making him available against Belgium in a major boost for the Americans. The decision dramatically altered both the tactical outlook and the betting market heading into kickoff.
Betting Odds
Most sportsbooks list the United States as a slight favorite.
- USA: +155
- Belgium: +180
- Draw: +235
- USA to Advance: approximately -125
Oddsmakers shifted toward the United States after Balogun was cleared to play.
Players to Watch
United States
- Christian Pulisic
- Folarin Balogun
- Weston McKennie
- Yunus Musah
- Antonee Robinson
Belgium
- Kevin De Bruyne
- Romelu Lukaku
- Jeremy Doku
- Amadou Onana
- Loïs Openda
Belgium still possesses world-class talent, but the Americans appear deeper in midfield than previous generations and far more comfortable playing proactive soccer under Pochettino.
Prediction
Before the Balogun suspension drama, this matchup felt almost impossible to separate.
Now?
The edge shifts slightly toward the United States.
Balogun’s return restores the Americans’ attacking identity, while Pulisic enters in excellent form. The midfield has controlled games throughout the tournament, and the home crowd should create one of the best atmospheres in modern U.S. soccer history.
Belgium remains dangerous. Kevin De Bruyne can unlock any defense, and Romelu Lukaku needs only one opportunity.
Still, this feels like the night American soccer has waited more than a decade to experience.
Not because of the March friendly.
Not because of rankings.
Because this group has matured, gained confidence, and now has a chance to erase one of the most painful losses in U.S. soccer history.
Prediction: United States 2, Belgium 1.
A late American winner sends Lumen Field into celebration, avenges the heartbreaking 2014 Round of 16 defeat, and books the United States’ first World Cup quarterfinal appearance since 2002. For one night, soccer will truly be dancing in the streets across America.
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