USA
Folarin Balogun, who has now scored three in this tournament, was initially ruled out due to his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the striker is now available for selection after having his ban suspended – a huge boost for the co-hosts.
The Americans were without Seattle Sounders midfielder Cristian Roldan due to injury against both Turkiye and the Bosnians, while defender Mark McKenzie was also left out of the squad due to injury in the Round of 32.
Injuries & Team News
USA were due to be without the services of Folarin Balogun through suspension, with the striker sent off in his team’s 2-0 success over Bosnia-Herzegovina last time out.
However, on Sunday, it was revealed by FIFA that his one-game ban would be suspended following an intervention from US president Donald Trump.
Balogun has scored three times at the 2026 World Cup and his controversial availability is big news for the national side.
Mark McKenzie (foot) and Cristian Roldan (muscle) need to be assessed ahead of the match, but there will be starts for the likes of Sergino Dest, Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 2-0 vs Bosnia | L L W W L W |
Predicted Line-Up
Predicted XI (4-3-3):
Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, A. Robinson; McKennie, Adams, Tillman; Dest, Balogun, Pulisic
Belgium
In a remarkable Round of 32 clash, Belgium produced one of the most memorable comebacks in FIFA World Cup history. At 2-0 down with just a few minutes of the 90 to go, Romelu Lukaku pulled one back before Senegal completely imploded, allowing Youri Tielemans to equalise. Tielemans then put away a controversial penalty in stoppage-time of the second half of extra-time in Seattle.
The Belgians were underwhelming in the group stage with a fortunate 1-1 draw against Egypt before being held to a goalless draw by IR Iran. They did then manage to find some fluency to put away a poor New Zealand side by five goals to one in their final group game to pinch top spot in Group G ahead of Egypt on goal difference.
Injuries & Team News
Rudi Garcia made some very big and surprising calls early on in the second half of their Round of 32 clash against Senegal, with both Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku replaced early on. It could well be that Garcia now opts to use the pair as impact substitutes instead.
Romelu Lukaku was again impactful off the bench and he may well be used ahead of Charles De Ketelaere up front. Belgium are still sweating on the fitness of Sporting CP defender Zeno Debast, with Brandon Mechele pairing Arthur Theate at centre-back.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 3-2 vs Senegal | W W D D W W |
Predicted Line-Up
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
Courtois; Castagne, Mechele, Theate, De Cuyper; Tielemans, Vanaken; Lukebakio, De Ketelaere, Trossard; Lukaku
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| USA Win | 2.50 | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 3.50 | Dream Vegas |
| Belgium Win | 3.00 | 247Bet |
Prediction
USA 2-1 Belgium
The US have been a breath of fresh air in this world cup but this is arguably the toughest test to date, Belgium are not the force they once were but they have shown real fight throughout this world cup. I just think USA will have too much energy for this aging Belgium side and they will progress to the Quarter Finals.