FIFA Word Cup 2026: USA vs Belgium Live Details, Preview, Lineups
| FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 | |
| SCHEDULE | TIME |
| Match: | USA vs Belgium |
| Tournament: | FIFA 2026 |
| Match Date: | July 7 2026 |
| Match Time: | 5:30 a.m. Indian Time (UTC +5:30) |
| Stadium: | - |
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Preview: USA vs Belgium
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 brings a blockbuster knockout clash as co-hosts United States take on Belgium in Seattle. With a quarterfinal place on the line, this match carries huge pressure for the USMNT, who are chasing their first World Cup quarterfinal appearance since 2002, while Belgium arrive with experience, attacking quality and a strong recent record.
USA vs Belgium Live Match Details
Match: United States vs Belgium
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
Stage: Round of 16
Date: Monday, July 6, 2026
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT
India time: 5:30 a.m. IST, Tuesday, July 7
Venue: Lumen Field / Seattle Stadium, Seattle
TV and streaming: In the United States, the match will be shown on FOX in English, with Spanish coverage on Telemundo and Peacock. Pregame coverage begins at 6:00 p.m. ET.
The winner of USA vs Belgium will move into the quarterfinals, where they are set to face the winner of Portugal vs Spain.
Match Preview
The United States enter this Round of 16 tie with momentum after defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the previous knockout round. Mauricio Pochettino’s side have looked energetic, direct and confident on home soil, and the Seattle crowd could play a major role in creating a high-intensity atmosphere.
A major boost for the USMNT is the availability of Folarin Balogun. The forward had been expected to miss the match through suspension after a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA suspended the implementation of the ban for a one-year probationary period, making him eligible to face Belgium. U.S. Soccer confirmed that Balogun, the team’s leading scorer at this World Cup, is available for selection.
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Belgium, however, are not short of quality. The Red Devils came through their Round of 32 match with a dramatic 3-2 win over Senegal after recovering from a 2-0 deficit. They also bring major names into the contest, including Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Youri Tielemans, Leandro Trossard and Jérémy Doku. U.S. Soccer’s opponent profile notes that Belgium entered this matchup with strong recent form and had topped Group G before beating Senegal in extra time.
This fixture also carries history. The USA and Belgium have met twice before at World Cups, including the famous 2014 Round of 16 match in Brazil, when Belgium won 2-1 after extra time despite a record-setting performance from U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard.
Key Players to Watch
Folarin Balogun, USA: Balogun’s return changes the attacking picture for the United States. His movement behind defenders and finishing ability give Pochettino a natural striker who can stretch Belgium’s back line.
Christian Pulisic, USA: Pulisic remains the face of the USMNT attack. If he starts alongside Balogun, the USA will have pace, creativity and penalty-box threat in the final third.
Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium: De Bruyne’s passing range and control between the lines can dictate Belgium’s tempo. The USA midfield must deny him space.
Romelu Lukaku, Belgium: Lukaku remains Belgium’s central attacking reference point. His physicality, hold-up play and penalty-area presence could trouble the U.S. defense.
Jérémy Doku, Belgium: Doku’s pace and one-on-one dribbling make him one of Belgium’s most dangerous wide players. His matchup against the U.S. fullbacks or wingbacks could be decisive.
Tactical Battle
The biggest tactical question for the United States is whether Pochettino keeps a 4-3-3 shape or shifts to a 3-5-2 to pair Balogun with Pulisic up front. A back three would give the USA more security against Belgium’s wide threats, especially Doku and the advancing fullbacks, while still allowing Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest to push forward.
Belgium are expected to rely on experience and width. With De Bruyne operating centrally and Doku attacking from wide areas, the Red Devils will try to create overloads and isolate U.S. defenders. The USA’s midfield discipline will be vital, particularly if Tyler Adams starts as the defensive anchor.
USA Predicted Lineup
Official starting lineups are usually confirmed closer to kickoff, but the USMNT could line up in a 3-5-2:
USA predicted XI: Matt Freese; Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream; Sergiño Dest, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman, Antonee Robinson; Folarin Balogun, Christian Pulisic.
Belgium Predicted Lineup
Belgium may set up in a 4-3-3, with Lukaku leading the line and De Bruyne operating as the main creative hub:
Belgium predicted XI: Thibaut Courtois; Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele, Arthur Theate, Maxim De Cuyper; Nicolas Raskin, Youri Tielemans; Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku; Romelu Lukaku.
USA vs Belgium Prediction
This should be one of the most competitive matches of the Round of 16. The USA have home advantage, energy and a major attacking boost with Balogun available. Belgium, meanwhile, have more knockout experience and enough individual quality to punish any defensive mistake.
Expect a tight, physical and emotional contest. If the USA can press well, protect central areas and use Balogun and Pulisic quickly in transition, they have a real chance to reach the quarterfinals. Belgium’s route to victory will depend on De Bruyne’s control, Lukaku’s presence and Doku’s ability to stretch the game.
Prediction: USA 2-1 Belgium after extra time.
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