USA vs Belgium – Predicted lineup and team news

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The Football Faithful

·6 luglio 2026

USA vs Belgium – Predicted lineup and team news

The United States face Belgium at Seattle Stadium in the early hours of Tuesday morning in the World Cup last 16, targeting a place in the quarter-finals for the first time since 2002.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side have won three of their four matches and carry momentum and home support into the match. Belgium, despite their inconsistency, possess the individual quality to trouble any side in the tournament. The pre-match week has been dominated by the Balogun situation — and now he is available, the USA’s preparations have taken on a different shape entirely.

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USA team news

Folarin Balogun is available. FIFA’s disciplinary committee confirmed on Sunday that his red card ban has been suspended under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The decision is only the second time FIFA has lifted a World Cup red card suspension in the tournament’s history. Belgium responded furiously, describing themselves as “astonished” and questioning the legal basis of the ruling.

Pochettino said he was focused on Belgium, not the politics surrounding the decision. Balogun leads the USA’s scoring at this tournament with three goals. His reinstatement opens the door for Pochettino to shift from the 4-3-3 used against Bosnia to a 3-5-2, pairing Balogun and Christian Pulisic up front.

Pulisic is confirmed fit after managing his calf issue throughout the tournament. Sergino Dest and Antonee Robinson cover as wing-backs. Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Malik Tillman hold the midfield three. Mark McKenzie has a foot problem and Cristian Roldan a muscle issue — both are doubts but neither projected to start. Alex Freeman, Chris Richards and captain Tim Ream form the back three. Matt Freese continues in goal.