USA starting lineup vs Belgium confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 match

Belgium and the USA faced each other for the last time in March.

Co-hosts, the USA, are set to face Belgium in their round-of-16 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The game is scheduled to be played at the Seattle Stadium in Washington.

Drawn in Group D, the Stars and Stripes commenced their campaign with a stellar 4-1 win over Paraguay. In the second game, they secured a resounding 2-0 victory over Australia, which was eliminated from the round of 32 last week.

However, while riding a wave of consecutive runs, their streak was put to an absurd end by Türkiye, who secured a 3-2 win over Mauricio Pochettino’s men. Nevertheless, the Stars and Stripes qualified for the knockout stage as the winners of Group D.

In the round of 32, they squared off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, who were playing their first-ever knockout game. Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman scored for the co-hosts, helping the USA secure an easy 2-0 win.

On the other hand, Belgium drew twice and secured a win over New Zealand on the final matchday to clinch a spot in the knockout stage. However, their 3-2 win over Senegal in the round of 32 would be one of the most memorable games of the tournament.

Rudi Garcia’s men are currently on a 17-match unbeaten streak across all competitions. Their last defeat was in March 2025, when they lost to Ukraine.

Also Read: USA vs Belgium – All-time head-to-head record

USA lineup for the FIFA World Cup match against Belgium

USA XI (4-3-3): Matt Freese; Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream (C), Antonee Robinson; McKennie, Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman; Sergino Dest, Folorin Balogun, Christian Pulisic

Thoughts on the lineup

Matt Freese will keep the gloves for the Stars and Stripes, with Chris Richards and Tim Ream forming the centre-back duo. Alex Freeman and Antonee Robinson will play on the flanks in the backline, providing width to Mauricio Pochettino’s side.

Tyler Adams will feature as the sole pivot for the co-hosts, flanked by Malik Tillman and Weston McKennie, who offer physicality, versatility, and a higher work rate to the engine room. Sergino Dest and Christian Pulisic will be on the wings and provide support to Folarin Balogun.

Folarin Balogun received a red card during the USA’s 2-0 victory in the FIFA World Cup over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the last round after he awkwardly stepped on Tarik Muharemovic’s right ankle. However, his suspension has been lifted; he’s set to return.

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