USA vs Belgium preview: Balogun back, USA ready

Lumen Field in Seattle hosts one of the World Cup's most charged domestic fixtures on Monday as the USMNT take on Belgium in the round of 16, targeting a quarterfinal place for the first time since 2002. The suspension of Folarin Balogun has been overturned, handing Mauricio Pochettino's squad a significant boost.

The contrast between the two campaigns is stark. Pochettino's side collected three wins from four and scored at least twice in every game. Fuelled by home advantage and a passionate fan base, this American team is playing the best football in its history. Belgium, after draws with Egypt and Iran and a 3-2 comeback against Senegal that owed much to fortune, arrive in Seattle unconvincing.

Belgium's defence stands as the most glaring weakness: five goals conceded and an xG against of 5.5, among the highest of remaining teams. The USMNT, by contrast, have scored ten times and created 12 big chances, ranking among the tournament's most efficient attacking sides. Their high-energy, physical approach — thriving on home support — could prove exhausting for Belgium in the heavy Pacific Northwest air.

Historically, the USA have won only one of their six meetings with Belgium, but this team arrives with a different mentality. Victory would send them to the quarterfinals for the first time in 24 years — potentially setting up a blockbuster meeting with the winner of Spain-Portugal.

Predicted XIs
USA (3-5-2): Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream; Dest, McKennie, Adams, Tillman, Robinson; Balogun, Pulisic
Belgium (4-3-3): Courtois; Castagne, Mechele, Theate, De Cuyper; Raskin, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; Lukaku

Image: Sports Illustrated