The United States men’s national team is one victory away from reaching the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in more than two decades, but standing in its way is a familiar opponent in Belgium.
The Round of 16 clash takes place Monday night at Lumen Field in Seattle, where the USMNT will attempt to continue its impressive tournament run despite being without one of its top attacking players.
Belgium, meanwhile, arrive with momentum of their own after producing a dramatic comeback victory over Senegal to book their place in the last 16.
Read More: 2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule: Bracket, Fixtures, Results, Dates, Venues and TV Guide
USMNT Chasing Historic Quarterfinal Return
The United States earned its place in the Round of 16 after defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina in the knockout round.
The win was the first time that the USMNT had won a World Cup knockout stage game in 24 years.
But it was not without a price.
Just before the half, Fallon Folarin Balogun found the net again to give the U.S. the lead in the third goal of the tournament, but was later sent off in the second half.
The only problem is that Balogun will not be part of the squad for the match against Belgium on Monday, as per FIFA’s suspension guidelines.
There is a huge void in the U.S. attack with Pochettino’s team seeking to extend their World Cup run.
Belgium Survived a Late Scare
Belgium had to go down the stretch to make it to the Round of 16.
Belgium trailed 2-0 late in the game against Senegal, but found the net in the 86th and 89th minutes to force extra time before the 3-2 comeback win.
The resurgence was a testament to Belgium’s spirit and paves the way for another clash with the U.S. on the grand stage of football.
History Favors Belgium
The Belgians have claimed the upper hand in the past, but the U.S. has a lot to play for this one.
The two have played seven times, with the United States having won the first match in the 1930 FIFA World Cup.
Belgium has taken the last six victories, including an overtime win over the U.S. in the Round of 16 at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Kickoff Time and How to Watch
Match: United States vs Belgium
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 16
Date: Monday, July 6
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington
TV Channels
- FOX
- Telemundo
Betting Odds
BetMGM
- United States: +165
- Belgium: +155
- Draw: +230
Total Goals: 2.5
FanDuel (To Advance)
- United States: -118
- Belgium: -102
The odds make the United States a slight favorite to advance to the quarterfinals despite Belgium being narrowly favored on the three-way moneyline.
What’s at Stake?
If the U.S. wins, they will advance to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since ending their last eight loss record in the 2002 World Cup, where they beat Mexico in the Round of 16 before losing to Germany in the last eight.
However, the victor from Monday’s game will likely play either Spain or Austria in the quarterfinals, depending on the rest of the Round of 16 games.
Prediction
If the U.S. wins, they will advance to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since ending their last eight loss record in the 2002 World Cup, where they beat Mexico in the Round of 16 before losing to Germany in the last eight.
However, the victor from Monday’s game will likely play either Spain or Austria in the quarterfinals, depending on the rest of the Round of 16 games.
Prediction
The United States has established itself as an attacking power thus far and will have a lot of confidence heading into Seattle, but without Balogun, there’s one of the most dangerous attacking threats out.
Belgium proved their identity in featuring a 2-0 deficit against Senegal and will be coming into the match with some experience in pressure knockout matches.
The USMNT will have to look for opportunities, but the suspension of Balogun will be a major factor.
Prediction: Belgium 2-1 United States
