Besides the match against Turkey, where they played with a reserve lineup, USA have outplayed every opponent so far in the tournament. Belgium have arguably had just one good performance so far, so I see value in backing the co-hosts to win.
Key Stats
- USA have won 3 of their last 4 matches.
- Folarin Balogun has scored 3 goals in his last 3 matches for USA.
- Belgium are winless in 3 of their last 4 matches (regular time).
Belgium Dominate H2H
This is going to be the 8th head to head clash between these sides, Belgium holding a 6-1 advantage in terms of victories.
USA Looking Strong
USA started the tournament with a convincing 4-1 victory against Paraguay, Folarin Balogun stealing the spotlight here by netting a quick brace, while they also dominated Australia 2-0 in the second round.
Mauricio Pochettino rested a majority of his starters in the third match against Turkey which was quite entertaining to watch, the Crescent Stars scoring in stoppage time to claim a 3-2 victory. Hosts had 2.12 xG and 7-3 shots on target here.
The Stars and Stripes didn’t have problems beating Bosnia & Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32. Folarin Balogun broke the deadlock just before the break, then he was sent off in the 64th minute. The final score was set by Malik Tillman a bit later.
Belgium Pulled a Miraculous Comeback Against Senegal
Belgium had a lot of problems in the group stages, kicking of the World Cup 2026 with back to back draws against Egypt 1-1 and Iran 0-0 despite being favorite on both occasions.
They sealed a spot in the playoffs by crushing New Zealand 5-1 in the final round, ending this clash with 3.65-0.24 expected goals and 35-6 shots. Leandro Trossard netted a brace, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers also on target.
The Red Devils were in an extremely difficult situation in the Round of 32, trailing 2-0 against Senegal with just five minutes left to play in regular time, but they scored two quick goals through Lukaku and Youri Tielemans to force extra time.
They were awarded a controversial penalty in the 119th minute, which Tielemans converted to secure a 3-2 victory.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
USA (4-2-3-1) Matt Turner; Sergino Dest, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson; Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie; Malik Tillman, Sebastian Berhalter, Giovanni Reyna; Ricardo Pepi
Folarin Balogun's red card against Bosnia & Herzegovina has been suspended, so he will lead the attack once again. Captain Christian Pulisic struggled with fitness in the opening three rounds but latest reports state he is ready for at least 90 minutes of action.
Belgium (4-2-3-1) Thibaut Courtois; Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele, Arthur Theate, Maxim De Cuyper; Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans; Kevin De Bruyne, Charles De Ketelaere, Jeremy Doku; Leandro Trossard
Rudi Garcia mentioned multiple times he prefers Romelu Lukaku to get in second half and exploit opponent's fatigue rather than starting. The Red Devils have no reported injuries or suspensions ahead of this clash.
Rudi Garcia mentioned multiple times he prefers Romelu Lukaku to get in second half and exploit opponent's fatigue rather than starting. The Red Devils have no reported injuries or suspensions ahead of this clash.