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The USMNT's World Cup journey rolls on Monday as the co-hosts face Belgium in the round of 16 at Lumen Field.
Mauricio Pochettino's men cruised past Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opening knockout fixture and now have a shot at reaching the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. Knocking out an inconsistent Belgium side is well within reach, and would set up a mouth-watering clash with either Portugal or Spain in the last eight.
FIFA's ruling to overturn Folarin Balogun's suspension following a contentious red card in the previous match means Pochettino has no need to alter the starting lineup that came through the round of 32. The Argentine manager should avoid the urge to make changes ahead of such a monumental contest.
Here's how the USMNT could line up.
USMNT Predicted XI vs. Belgium
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GK: Matt Freese—The New York City goalkeeper has conceded just once throughout the tournament, though he'll anticipate being tested at some stage against a Belgium squad brimming with attacking threats.
RB: Alex Freeman—Pochettino would likely have switched to a 3-5-2 formation had the energetic Balogun been unavailable up front. Instead, Freeman will operate as a conventional right back before tucking in as a third center back when the situation demands it.
CB: Chris Richards—The Crystal Palace center back has carried his strong club form into international duty this summer. He could face the ultimate physical examination when up against Romelu Lukaku.
CB: Tim Ream—The experienced skipper has brought composure and vital leadership to Pochettino's backline, even if his pace and stamina may be tested against the world's elite forwards.
LB: Antonee Robinson—Leandro Trossard presents a completely different challenge to Jérémy Doku on the opposite flank, yet only Lionel Messi (17) has created more chances from open play across the last three World Cups than the Arsenal winger's 16. Robinson will have his work cut out.
CM: Malik Tillman—Tillman's superb free kick sealed the victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, building on the assist he provided against Paraguay. The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder is the USMNT's primary creative force from deeper areas.
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CM: Tyler Adams—Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans will be looking to dictate play in Rudi Garcia's midfield. Adams faces the tough assignment of shutting them down.
RW: Sergiño Dest—Dest continues to grow into his more advanced role, though he'll need to track back and support Freeman against the rapid Doku.
AM: Weston McKennie—McKennie got on the scoresheet during the USMNT's chaotic 5–2 loss to Belgium in March's kit-clash friendly. The midfielder has managed just one goal since for club and country.
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LW: Christian Pulisic—While not at his electrifying best against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Pulisic remains the USMNT's most decisive player. A quarterfinal berth becomes far more attainable if he delivers.
ST: Folarin Balogun—Reinstated following a remarkable intervention by President Donald Trump, Balogun leads the attack for the USMNT, and Belgium's leaky defense will be well aware that he is riding high on confidence.