Thursday, October 1, 2026
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The USMNT beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the World Cup Round of 32 to move on to the next round of the knockout phase. Now, the USA will play Belgium in the Round of 16, their next win-or-go-home game, in Seattle, Washington.
The USA won Group D at this World Cup and, as a result, got a favorable matchup in the Round of 32, taking on Bosnia and Herzegovina, and beating them 2-0. This USMNT has been one of the teams of the tournament, taking the lead in all four games before halftime. Can they do the same in the round of 16 vs Belgium?
Belgium is in the midst of the "last dance" for a golden generation of players. In Group G play, they drew their first two matches against Egypt and Iran before a 5-1 thumping of New Zealand in the final group game, which was enough to win the group. They then pulled off a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Senegal in the Round of 32 to advance.
This game will be interesting. One team depends on a collective of players who push the tempo and create fast attacks. The other needs its world-class, albeit aging superstars to carry them forward for one last time. So how will this game play out?
The USMNT plays perfectly in head coach Mauricio Pochettino's system. Grit, high-paced intensity when off the ball, precise attacking movements when they have the ball. This could be the key to stopping a Belgian team that does like to be a bit methodical with the ball. The players on the pitch have a point to prove that they themselves are world-class, like their opponents.
USA leans on its best XI to frustrate and punish its opponents. From the solidity of Ream, Richards, and Freeman at the back, to the wingbacks Robinson and Dest bombing up the wings. Add in Adams and Tillman dominating the midfield, and Pulisic and McKennie pushing the tempo in attack, and this team is something special. Up top, striker Folarin Balogun is a man in fine form, and he'll be available for this crucial match thanks to an awkward FIFA article. Can these guys shock the world and make the quarterfinals?
Projected USA Starting XI vs Belgium. Formation: 3-4-2-1
GK: Freese
CB: Ream CB: Richards CB: Freeman
LWB: A. Robinson CM: Tillman CM: Adams RWB: Dest
AM: Pulisic AM: McKennie
ST: Balogun
Belgium is a team that loves to hold possession and throttle opponents with their passing and positioning. Head coach Rudi Garcia knows the team's shape, style of play, and big-name players will do enough to push this team forward. Belgium has produced 93 shots in their four games at this World Cup, showing their attacking quality and mindset: defend by attacking.
When you hear Belgium, many think of the term golden generation. This indicates a generation of players who are essential all-stars that, when on their game, could beat anyone in the world. Belgium is at the tail end of that, and you can see that in their starting XI. Only four of their 11 are under 30, and four of their front six are over 30. The lone speedy player is Doku on the right; he's the lynchpin for this team's verticality. De Bruyne in the middle will be the key to their attacking moves, and striker Lukaku, now usually off the bench, still seems to score goals despite being past his prime. This team is truly a force to be reckoned with because of their experience, but is that enough to have them win this match?
Projected Belgium Starting XI vs USA. Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK: Courtois
LB: Castagne CB: Mchele CB: Theate RB: De Cuyper
CDM: Vanaken CDM: Tielemans
LM: Trossard CAM: De Bruyne RM: Doku
ST: De Ketelaere
12 years ago, at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the USA and Belgium met in the round of 16. The two teams played a match that went to 120 minutes to find a winner. In that game, USA legend goalkeeper Tim Howard broke the World Cup saves record with 16 saves, but Belgium won 2-1. Surprisingly, there were no goals until the extra 30 minutes; this time around will likely be different.
The USMNT has scored in the first half of all of their matches so far, and if they can do that again to an aging Belgium team, they will have the advantage. However, if legends De Bruyne and Lukaku score for Belgium as they did 12 years ago against the USA, then this may need 120 minutes again to decide a winner. One thing is clear: if the USMNT can win and reach its first quarterfinal in 24 years, this team will be a huge success story. Waiting for them in that quarterfinal are the favorites to win the World Cup, Spain or Portugal.
MORE: Philly Sports Network's World Cup Coverage
