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The dream remains alive for the ambitious U.S. men's national team, who beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2–0 on Wednesday to secure their spot in the World Cup round of 16.
Determined to "touch the moon," these Americans-turned-astronauts have already reached remarkable heights this summer on home turf, with the next chance to climb even higher fast approaching.
The Stars and Stripes will square off against European powerhouse Belgium on Monday in Seattle in the round of 16, chasing a win that would propel them to the quarterfinal stage for the first time in 24 years and only the second time ever in the modern World Cup era.
Belgium may be underperforming relative to expectations, but toppling the perennial tournament contender will be no simple task for the USMNT, who are also dealing with the loss of their key forward. Folarin Balogun received a contentious red card in the match against Bosnia, ruling him out for the round of 16.
"I think anything is possible in football if you believe," USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino said ahead of the upcoming clash. "We are going to respect Belgium. With our supporters in Seattle, I think we can be very competitive and, of course, try to win the game and move on to the next round. For that to happen, we need to perform at our best."
Here, Sports Illustrated predicts the USMNT's starting lineup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium.
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USMNT Predicted Lineup vs. Belgium—Round of 16
While the USMNT has enjoyed considerable success recently in a 4-2-3-1 formation, including against Bosnia, Pochettino may opt to switch to a 3-5-2 setup for the showdown with Belgium.
Despite the high stakes, a tactical shift is not out of the question for Pochettino, given not only that the Argentine coach is well known for his strategic flexibility, but also that a three-back system served the team effectively in the group stage victory over Australia. Pochettino would be deploying a 3-5-2 for a different purpose against Belgium, however.
Against the Group D opponent, the formation allowed two strikers to work in tandem up front, rather than relying on just one. It generated additional pressure on the Australians, who fielded five imposing defenders across the backline. Against Belgium, though, the 3-5-2 will be best suited to neutralize the opponent's threats out wide, a dangerous attacking threat spearheaded by the electric and elusive Jérémy Doku of Manchester City, along with Arsenal's Leandro Trossard and Benfica's Dodi Lukébakio.
The task of containing Belgium's wide attacking runs—and potentially sparking swift counterattacks from them—will rest with wingbacks Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest, who will need to cover enormous ground on Monday night. Having the wingbacks absorb the threat of Belgium's star wide players—particularly Dest tasked with keeping Doku in check—allows the three Americans across the backline to function as sweepers. They form a more defensive second line, ready to respond when the Belgians inevitably break through along the flanks.
If the USMNT were to line up in a conventional four-back system, the burden of dealing with Doku would fall more squarely on young Alex Freeman. While the 21-year-old right back has emerged as a rising talent, the Man City magician would likely prove too difficult for Freeman to handle alone.
The last time the U.S. faced Belgium was less than four months ago, suffering a heavy 5–2 defeat in a March international friendly. The USMNT used a 4-2-3-1 formation on that occasion, with right back Timothy Weah eventually overwhelmed by Doku due to insufficient defensive cover around him. Although the USMNT is collectively far stronger now, Pochettino will be eager to avoid a repeat of that result.
The Stars and Stripes were also without star center back Chris Richards of Crystal Palace on that difficult March afternoon. Richards will be best positioned to support Dest and Freeman in dealing with Doku, having faced the crafty winger in Premier League action. Veteran captain Tim Ream also appears more settled when Richards is alongside him.
The midfield trio of Malik Tillman, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams will feel confident in their ability to handle Belgian star Kevin De Bruyne and control the center of the pitch, after using sharp, one-touch passing to navigate around the Bosnians and exploit the limited space available. The only concern is Tillman's right foot, which was stepped on before he converted a free kick in the 82nd minute. He is expected to be fully fit by Monday's match.
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There is no softening the blow. Balogun's red card is a significant setback. The 24-year-old, who won't be eligible to return until a potential quarterfinal, has been a dominant force in the U.S. attack this summer. Making his World Cup debut, he has scored three goals in just three appearances, simultaneously endearing himself to American supporters.
Ricardo Pepi appears to be the most likely candidate to replace Balogun on Monday; however, he lacks the same clinical edge in front of goal. Pochettino could opt to push USMNT talisman Christian Pulisic up front alongside Pepi to form a two-striker partnership, a move that would allow Pulisic to have greater influence at the top of the box.