2026 World Cup Round of 16: USA vs Belgium Match Preview
The United States and Belgium face off in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on July 6 at Lumen Field in Seattle. Both teams advanced from group play and prior knockout rounds. Key storylines include US striker Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension, initially overturned amid controversy involving a reported call from Donald Trump to FIFA, but later confirmed available. Belgium overcame Senegal 3-2 in extra time. The winner advances to face Portugal or Spain.
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Belgium Benches Three Stars Against USA in World Cup Round of 16
Belgium has made a surprising and bold decision for their Round of 16 World Cup match against the United States, benching three of their biggest attacking stars — Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, and Romelu Lukaku — for the starting lineup in Seattle. The move is described as one of the boldest of the tournament, aimed at using fresh legs and a balanced approach initially, with the possibility of unleashing the star trio as game-changing substitutes in the second half against a potentially tired American defense. The strategy carries significant risk: if the USMNT grabs an early lead, questions will be raised about why Belgium left so much firepower on the bench. The match is scheduled for Monday night, July 6, 2026.
Yardbarker: SoccerDe Bruyne and Doku benched, Balogun starts in World Cup round of 16: USA vs Belgium lineups
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia has made surprising changes for the World Cup round of 16 match against the United States, leaving star players Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku on the bench. Instead, Nicolas Raskin and Dodi Lukebakio will start. The only other change from Belgium's previous match against Senegal is Nathan Ngoy replacing Arthur Theate in defense. For the United States, the starting eleven remains the same as against Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Folarin Balogun leading the attack after his suspension was overturned. The match is set to kick off in two hours.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuUSA vs Belgium: Official Lineups for 2026 World Cup Round of 16
The article reports the official starting lineups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium, played on July 6-7, 2026, in the USA. The US team, playing at home, deploys a 4-3-3 formation with Matt Freese in goal, a defense of Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, and Antonee Robinson, a midfield of Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, and Malik Tillman, and a front three of Folarin Balogun, Sergiño Dest, and Christian Pulisic. Belgium also uses a 4-3-3 formation, with Thibaut Courtois in goal, defense of Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy, Brandon Mechele, and Maxim De Cuyper, midfield of Nicolas Raskin, Youri Tielemans, and Amadou Onana, and attack of Leandro Trossard, Charles De Ketelaere, and Dodi Lukebakio. Notable substitutes for Belgium include Jérémy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne, who start on the bench.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertUSA vs Belgium World Cup 2026 Round of 16: TV channel, kick-off time, and team news
The article previews the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between co-hosts United States and Belgium, scheduled for July 6, 2026, at Seattle Stadium. Key details include a 1am BST kick-off for UK viewers, live coverage on BBC One and iPlayer, and Fox broadcast in the US. Team news highlights the controversial availability of US striker Folarin Balogun after a red card suspension, while defender Sergino Dest is ruled out with a fractured toe and Yunus Musah is doubtful. Belgium has no injury concerns, with Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku expected to play. The head-to-head record favors Belgium, including a 2-1 extra-time win in the 2014 World Cup and a 5-2 friendly victory in March 2026.
Mirror - FootballUSA vs Belgium 2026 World Cup Round of 16: Match Preview and Broadcast Info
The United States face Belgium in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on July 6-7, 2026, at Seattle Stadium. The match kicks off at 2:00 AM French time and will be broadcast live on beIN Sports 1, accessible via RMC Sport offers. The US team is missing top scorer Folarin Balogun due to suspension after a red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina, though a controversial phone call from Donald Trump to FIFA President Infantino reportedly led to the cancellation of that suspension. Belgium advanced dramatically by overturning a 2-0 deficit against Senegal with late goals from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans, winning 3-2 in extra time. The article also promotes RMC Sport subscription packages for viewing the match.
Home Football - actualitésUSMNT vs. Belgium World Cup Round of 16 Mega-Preview: Predictions, Odds, and Controversy Over Balogun's Suspension
The Athletic provides a comprehensive preview of the USMNT vs. Belgium World Cup round of 16 match in Seattle on July 6, 2026. The game is overshadowed by controversy after FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun's one-match red card ban, allowing the USMNT's leading scorer to play. The Belgian federation expressed astonishment, and coach Rudi Garcia criticized the decision. The USMNT advanced by winning Group D and defeating Bosnia, while Belgium topped Group G and beat Senegal in extra time. The article includes match details, team pathways, and links to related stories on Trump's intervention and USMNT expectations.
Soccer - The AthleticUSA vs. Belgium World Cup Round of 16 Preview: Everything You Need to Know
This preview covers the upcoming FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Lumen Field in Seattle. It marks a rematch of the 2014 World Cup thriller where Belgium eliminated the USA. The Americans, led by coach Mauricio Pochettino, are seeking their first quarterfinal since 2002. Key developments include FIFA overturning Folarin Balogun's red card suspension, making him available. Match details include 8 p.m. ET kickoff, FOX/Telemundo broadcasts, and favorable Seattle weather. The USA enters as slight betting favorites despite Belgium's higher FIFA ranking. Group stage results show the USA winning Group D and Belgium winning Group G, with both teams advancing past the Round of 32.
Yardbarker: SoccerUSMNT vs. Belgium 2026 World Cup Preview: Date, Venue, and Balogun Suspension
This article previews the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) and Belgium, scheduled for July 6 at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. The USMNT advanced by winning Group D and defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32, but will be without leading scorer Folarin Balogun due to a controversial red card suspension. Belgium advanced by winning Group D and defeating Senegal in extra time, averaging 2.25 goals per game while conceding 1.25. The article notes a prior friendly match in March ended in a 5-2 loss for the USMNT, but highlights the home crowd advantage and the team's overall sharpness. The winner will face either Portugal or Spain.
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