World Cup 2026: U.S. Team Ready to Continue the Dream

This showdown is not only a reunion after the defeat to the "Red Devils" at the 2014 World Cup but also an opportunity for coach Mauricio Pochettino's squad to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.

Before kickoff, the U.S. team received a major boost when FIFA decided to temporarily suspend the one-match ban for striker Folarin Balogun. Accordingly, Balogun was still penalized for the direct red card in the 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 32, but the punishment was suspended for a one-year probation period under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. If a similar offense is committed during this period, the suspension will be activated along with additional sanctions.

Delighted that Balogun could play in the match against Belgium, U.S. President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on July 5 to thank FIFA for what he called the "right" decision that "reversed a major injustice."

This unexpected decision ensures the U.S. team's top scorer is eligible to face Belgium, just a day after experts were almost certain Coach Pochettino would have to find a replacement. However, analysts agreed that no alternative could fully replace the role of this in-form striker.

Balogun is the most critical figure in the U.S. team's attack at this year's World Cup. The 25-year-old has scored three goals in three matches, including a brace in the opening game against Paraguay and the opening goal against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Beyond his scoring ability, Balogun also brings speed, intelligent movement, and constant pressure on the opposing defense. It is the runs of the former Arsenal player that have created space for Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, or Malik Tillman to exploit.

The news that Balogun could play has created an upbeat atmosphere within the U.S. team. Midfielder Christian Pulisic said the team initially only learned this information through social media before receiving official confirmation on the way to training. Center-back Chris Richards revealed that Balogun's first reaction was summed up in one word: "Great."

On the other side, Belgium is still regarded as a formidable opponent, even though their golden generation has passed their peak. Players like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku remain leaders in attack, though they no longer maintain the peak form of previous years.

The European team advanced to the Round of 16 following a 3-2 extra-time win over Senegal. Earlier, they also faced difficulties, drawing with Iran and Egypt in the group stage. Nonetheless, Belgium holds an unbeaten run of 16 matches stretching back to March 2025 and previously defeated the U.S. team 5-2 in a friendly in March of this year.

History has also not favored the hosts, as the U.S. was eliminated by Belgium at the 2014 World Cup after a 1-2 extra-time loss in the Round of 16. However, under Coach Pochettino, the U.S. team is showing a different image with disciplined, energetic play and very quick transitions.
The 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, despite playing a man down for over 30 minutes, is seen as a clear testament to the resilience of the USMNT. Captain Tim Ream affirmed that the team fought for Balogun and will continue to do so against Belgium.

Midfielder Tyler Adams also emphasized that the U.S. team has matured significantly since the loss to Belgium earlier this year, particularly in defensive organization and tactical adaptability. According to him, quality friendlies before the World Cup have helped the team improve and prepare for major challenges.

The match at Lumen Field promises to take place in an electrifying atmosphere as tens of thousands of U.S. fans continue to turn Seattle into a "cauldron of fire." With home-field advantage, high morale, and the return of Balogun, the U.S. team has more reason to hope for overcoming the "Red Devils" and reaching the World Cup quarterfinals after a 24-year wait.