FIFA World Cup 2026: USA vs Belgium Match Preview, Team News, Predicted Lineups & Prediction

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 features an intriguing showdown as tournament hosts USA take on Belgium in a high-profile knockout clash. With a coveted place in the quarter-finals at stake, the Americans will look to make home advantage count against a Belgian side that has enjoyed remarkable success in this fixture over the years.

Match Preview

The United States have enjoyed an encouraging World Cup campaign under Mauricio Pochettino. After finishing at the top of Group D with six points, the hosts carried that momentum into the Round of 32, securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina to book their place in the last 16.

USA are aiming to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002. Their greatest achievement in the competition remains their third-place finish at the inaugural World Cup in 1930, but they have been eliminated in the Round of 16 in each of their previous three tournament appearances before this year's competition.

Standing between the Americans and a place in the final eight is an experienced Belgian side that has consistently had the upper hand in this matchup. Belgium have won six of the previous seven meetings between the two nations, while the United States' only victory came at the 1930 FIFA World Cup. The most recent encounter, played earlier this year, ended in a convincing 5-2 victory for the Red Devils.

Belgium entered the knockout stage after topping Group G with five points before producing one of the most dramatic comebacks of the tournament. Trailing Senegal 2-0 with only minutes remaining in the Round of 32, Romelu Lukaku sparked the fightback before Youri Tielemans equalised. Tielemans then completed the comeback with a dramatic penalty in the final minute of extra time to seal a thrilling 3-2 victory.

Having finished third at the 2018 FIFA World Cup before suffering a disappointing group-stage exit in Qatar four years later, Belgium are determined to re-establish themselves among the tournament's elite. Their experience, quality in midfield, and attacking depth make them one of the favourites to progress.

The winner of this encounter will advance to the quarter-finals, where either Portugal or Spain awaits.

Team News

USA will be without one of their standout performers after striker Folarin Balogun received a red card during the victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun has scored three goals in the tournament, making his suspension a significant blow for Pochettino's side. Ricardo Pepi is expected to replace him as the central striker.

Defender Mark McKenzie remains a fitness concern due to a foot problem, while Cristian Roldan is also being assessed after suffering a muscle injury. Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Sergiño Dest, and Yunus Musah are all expected to retain their places in the starting lineup.

Belgium could once again be without young defender Zeno Debast, who has yet to feature in the tournament because of injury. Leandro Trossard has recovered from a minor fitness issue and is expected to start alongside Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku in an attack that has troubled opponents throughout the competition.

Veteran striker Romelu Lukaku has scored twice during the tournament but is likely to begin on the bench before being introduced later in the match, as he was against Senegal.

Prediction

USA have impressed with their organisation, discipline, and determination throughout the tournament, while the backing of their home supporters could provide an extra boost. However, Belgium possess greater experience in knockout football and boast one of the strongest attacking units remaining in the competition.

The hosts are expected to make life difficult for the Red Devils, but Belgium's quality in midfield and clinical finishing could ultimately prove decisive.

Prediction: USA 1-2 Belgium