USA vs. Belgium Picks – World Cup Round of 16 Betting Preview, Team News, and Predictions (Jul 6)
- When: Monday, July 6, 2026. 8:00 PM ET
- Where: Seattle Stadium, USA
- How to Watch: FOX, Telemundo
USA vs. Belgium World Cup Preview
The ultimate dream of winning the FIFA World Cup remains alive for Mauricio Pochettino and his USA team. However, they will likely face their biggest challenge to date in the round of 16, as the USMNT come up against talented European nation Belgium.
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USA Stats & Team News
Mauricio Pochettino has made no secret of the fact that the target for his USA team this summer is to make history. On Monday, the U.S. will be aiming to reach their first quarterfinal at the World Cup since 2002, and the level of their recent performances will give them an excellent chance.
The USA have thrived with home field advantage on their side, and they were ultra professional in their recent 2-0 win over Bosnia in the round of 32. The return to fitness of Christian Pulisic is a notable plus, with Captain America registering one assist in three appearances.
Folarin Balogun has scored three times in as many appearances, but his suspension is a notable concern. Ricardo Pepi could step into the void after netting 16 goals in 26 games for PSV last season.
Likely Lineup:
(3-5-2) Freese (GK); Freeman, Richards, Ream; Dest, McKennie, Adams, Tillman, Robinson; Pulisic, Pepi
Belgium Stats & Team News
Rudi Garcia’s Belgium were just ten minutes from an embarrassing exit in the round of 32 on Wednesday, before two late goals breathed new hope into their World Cup campaign.
However, Belgium’s performances this summer have been far from inspiring. They stumbled over the line to claim top spot in Group G, and they were outplayed for much of their knockout clash with Senegal in midweek.
Garcia should be praised for his decision to bring on Romelu Lukaku, as the experienced striker made a huge difference in midweek, scoring and creating a focal point for Belgian attacks. However, defensive issues remain, and the two goals that Senegal netted will provide hope to the U.S. forwards on Monday evening.
Likely Lineup:
(4-2-3-1) Courtois (GK); Castagne, Mechele, Theate, De Cuyper; Vanaken, Tielemans; Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard; Lukaku
Head-to-Head Stats
- Belgium have won four of the last five head-to-heads against the United States, which includes a win at the 2014 World Cup.
- The Red Devils recorded a big-scoring 5-2 win over the U.S. in March.
USA vs. Belgium World Cup Picks
I haven’t been impressed by Belgium this summer, and they really should have been eliminated in midweek. There will be no repeat of that fortune in Seattle on Monday, as I fully expect a confident USA to record a comfortable 2-0 win to book their spot in the last eight.
