USA vs Belgium Match Preview: World Cup 2026 1/8 Final

Match Context

USA face Belgium at Lumen Field on 7 July 2026 in the World Cup 1/8 final. USA arrive from Group D with 6 points and a +4 goal difference (8 goals for, 4 against), while Belgium topped Group G with 5 points and a +4 goal difference (6 for, 2 against). The fixture is yet to kick off.

USA & Belgium Availability

USA have three confirmed absentees. M. McKenzie (Bruised Foot) is sidelined. C. Roldan (Muscle Bruise) is sidelined. F. Balogun (Red Card) is sidelined. Balogun’s absence is a major blow: he has scored 3 goals in 3 appearances, with 8 shots and 4 on target, and carries a strong attacking rating of 7.23.

Belgium have one confirmed absentee. Z. Debast (Leg Injury) is sidelined, removing a defensive option from their back line, but no Belgian attackers or key creators are listed as missing.

Impact Summary

The attacking output loss is significantly heavier for USA, who are deprived of their leading scorer Balogun and his 3-goal contribution from the group stage. Belgium’s issues are concentrated in defense with Debast out, but their primary forwards and midfielders remain available, suggesting they retain their full attacking threat for this knockout tie.