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The U.S. men's national team faces a formidable challenge against Belgium in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup on Monday in Seattle, a match that could prove to be the toughest test of the summer for the co-hosts.
Although the USMNT has improved significantly from the squad that lost 2–1 to Belgium at the same stage at the 2014 World Cup, the European powerhouse continues to perform at a high level, still relying heavily on the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, both of whom featured in that 2014 encounter.
To reach this point, Belgium has had to find its footing throughout the tournament. It began with back-to-back draws against Egypt and Iran, before dismantling the group's lowest-ranked side, New Zealand, 5-1 to claim top spot. In the round of 32, a stunning late comeback saw them overcome AFCON runners-up Senegal 3–2 in the 120th minute, having trailed 2-0 as late as the 85th minute.
"I think anything is possible in football if you believe," said USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino ahead of the fixture. "We will respect Belgium. With our supporters behind us in Seattle, I believe we can be very competitive and, naturally, look to win and advance to the next round. To make that happen, we'll need to be at our best."
While the USMNT fancies its chances, Sports Illustrated examines three reasons why Belgium could be the side celebrating at Lumen Field.
Veterans Stepping Up
The Red Devils have embraced a new wave of talent, but their heroes in the past two matches have been two well-known names: De Bruyne and Lukaku. Through this tournament, the former Premier League stars have contributed one and two goals respectively, delivering in the moments their team needed them most.
With De Bruyne, the vision and elegant passing remain as sharp as ever. The Napoli midfielder has been consistently creative, generating 10 scoring opportunities at this World Cup from an advanced midfield position. His influence also continues to attract defensive attention, creating space for Belgium's other attacking threats.
Yet it is Lukaku who presents the more intriguing storyline. His fellow Napoli teammate has netted three goals in just 80 minutes across the last two matches, despite coming off the bench, as head coach Rudi Garcia continues to prefer Atalanta's Charles De Ketelaere in the starting lineup.
Between De Bruyne and Lukaku, the USMNT must remain especially vigilant—even as the pair's overall sharpness has naturally declined in the later stages of their careers.
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Chances Down the Wing
While the Belgium side of 12 years ago thrived through the middle of the park, the 2026 version is built around wide play, even as the two veterans continue to make their mark centrally.
Operating in a 4-2-3-1 with a possession-based approach, Belgium will patiently build space and time their runs before releasing the ball with precision. Among the teams that advanced to the round of 16, only four have committed fewer offside violations this tournament, highlighting just how well-timed the Belgian attackers are when operating out wide.
In this match, the key attacking threats will be Manchester City's explosive winger Jérémy Doku—who briefly left and rejoined the squad midway through the tournament to be present for the birth of his first child—and Arsenal's Leandro Trossard, who scored twice against New Zealand and chipped in with an assist against Senegal.
Those wide duels are likely to push the USMNT into a back five when out of possession, with Sergiño Dest dropping deeper to support Alex Freeman on the right flank. Meanwhile, Antonee Robinson will hold down the left side, even as Christian Pulisic maintains a more advanced, attack-minded role.
Lack of Pressure and Expectation
In terms of pure on-field quality, the USMNT matches up well with Belgium. However, off the pitch, the Red Devils find themselves in a very different environment, free from the burden of performing on home soil and drawing on extensive experience in major World Cup and European Championship fixtures.
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Naturally, Belgium's celebrated "Golden Generation" has not delivered the silverware many anticipated in its prime years, yet few expected this squad to enter the tournament as genuine contenders either. For the first time in nearly three World Cup cycles, Belgium was not widely regarded as a credible "dark horse" by most analysts.
That's not to suggest there is no pressure whatsoever on a football-obsessed nation, but expectations are at their lowest point for this generation of players. What better moment to finally mount a deep tournament run than during De Bruyne and Lukaku's World Cup farewell, with the co-hosts standing firmly in their path?