What is the USMNT’s record against Belgium? All-time head-to-head record ahead of 2026 World Cup round of 16

The knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup is hitting a fever pitch as the tournament’s host nations battle to keep their campaigns alive against elite European heavyweights.

Fresh off a decisive 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) has officially punched its ticket to a blockbuster Round of 16 showdown against Belgium. The high-stakes clash in Seattle marks a dramatic rematch of their famous 2014 World Cup knockout battle, presenting a massive opportunity for the Americans to rewrite history.

Mauricio Pochettino’s squad faces an uphill tactical battle, however, as they will have to navigate the Red Devils without star striker Folarin Balogun, who is suspended following a red card in the physical win over Bosnia. With a place in the quarterfinals on the line, the Americans are looking to secure only their second-ever competitive victory over Belgium—a feat they haven’t achieved since the inaugural World Cup nearly a century ago.

The USMNT’s only win over Belgium

On July 13, 1930, the Americans secured a 3-0 group-stage win over Belgium, coming out on top thanks to goals by Bart McGhee, Tom Glorie and Bert Patenaude. The Uruguyan capital, Montevideo, bore witness to something that, 96 years on, has not happened again.

Four defeats on the spin

Belgium and the USMNT met at the World Cup in 2014, in a knockout-stage clash in Brazil. But before their current tournament runs, the nations squared off three times in international friendlies—a trio of matches that produced a staggering 14 goals in total.

In September 2011, King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels saw a strike from Nicolas Lombaerts earn Belgium a 1-0 victory. In May 2013, the teams then shared six goals in a friendly in the U.S., as the Belgians ran out 4-2 winners with goals courtesy of a brace from Christian Benteke, plus efforts from Marouane Fellaini and Kevin Mirallas. Geoff Cameron and Clint Dempsey replied for the Stars and Stripes.

The most recent friendly meeting came in March 2026, when a ruthless Belgian side defeated Mauricio Pochettino’s squad 5-2 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Despite an early opener from Weston McKennie and a late consolation strike from Patrick Agyemang, the Red Devils took control via goals from Zeno Debast, Amadou Onana, Charles De Ketelaere, and a second-half brace from Dodi Lukébakio.

Now, a massive new chapter will be written in the Round of 16. The Americans are desperate to snap that four-game losing streak against the Europeans and avenge their most painful competitive defeat from July 2014—a World Cup knockout battle that stretched all the way to extra time. After a goalless regulation 90, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku sealed a 2-1 Belgian triumph, knocking the USMNT out of the Brazil World Cup despite a late lifeline from Julian Green.

USMNT vs Belgium: kickoff times

Set to be played at Seattle Stadium (Lumen Field) in Seattle, Washington, the high-stakes World Cup Round of 16 elimination match between the USMNT and Belgium kicks off on Monday, July 6, at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT (local time).

You’ll be able to follow live coverage of the USMNT vs Belgium right here at AS USA.

Related stories

Mexican soccer

Mexico’s most valuable soccer star

International friendly

Let the World Cup start already!

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.