Belgium possible starting XI vs USMNT in the 2026 World Cup round of 16

The United States face a high-stakes showdown against Belgium on Monday, 6 July, in Seattle, as they look to book their place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup they are hosting. Mauricio Pochettino has already received one of the best possible boosts ahead of the match, with FIFA overturning the red card shown to striker Folarin Balogun, making him available to return to the starting XI.

Belgium, meanwhile, reached the round of 16 after producing a stunning comeback against Senegal. Trailing by two goals, Rudi García’s side fought back through Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans before scoring a dramatic winner in the 120th minute, just seconds before the match would have gone to penalties.

The Red Devils finished top of Group G with five points after drawing their opening matches against Egypt and Iran before comfortably defeating New Zealand to secure first place. That set up their meeting with Senegal in the first knockout round, and they will now be aiming to eliminate one of the tournament’s co-hosts.

Belgium are expected to line up against the United States as follows: Thibaut Courtois; Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele, Arthur Theate, Maxim De Cuyper; Hans Vanaken, Youri Tielemans; Jérémy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne, Leandro Trossard; and Charles De Ketelaere.

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