USA vs Belgium: Pochettino’s Men Ready to Make History?

by Bradley Gibbs

image USA vs Belgium: Pochettino’s Men Ready to Make History?
On Monday, the USMNT has the chance to win two knockout games at the same World Cup for the first time ever. Between them and that piece of history stand the Red Devils of Belgium.
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Getting it done

There was more World Cup joy for the USMNT, who delivered a disciplined and unwavering effort to defeat what has often been described as a defiant Bosnian team during the Round-of-32, and that success leaves the co-hosts one win away from creating their own piece of history. They’ve never won two knockout games at the same tournament before, despite previously reaching the quarter-finals back in 2002. The expanded format now gives them the chance to better that achievement and reach the final eight having won two knockout games rather than just one. 

Not for the first time at this tournament, the US went about their business like a team that knows how to get over the line against the Bosnians. They dominated the game at times and were clinical when they were on top. Having seen the Belgians flounder for most of their Round-of-32 game against Senegal, the co-host should be feeling confident, and if they can deliver a similar effort, a place in the quarter-finals will likely be theirs. 

As the Stars and Stripes look to sparkle once more, check out our USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina Picks. Will it be two wins from two games in Seattle for the only host nation left in the competition? 

USA vs Belgium key details

Unlike many of the teams to have featured at the 2026 World Cup, the Stars and Stripes have only got down to business on home soil, playing zero games in Canada or Mexico. After securing a safe passage to the knockouts in California, Mauricio Pochettino and his troops will now do battle in Seattle, where they delivered an unrelenting effort against the Australians during the second round of group games. 

Key details for USA vs Belgium: 

  • Date: Monday, July 6th 

  • Kick off time: 20:00 ET

  • Venue: Seattle, Washington

  • Where to watch: FOX

Interestingly, Seattle has been a happy hunting ground for the USMNT. They’ve played in the Emerald City on seven previous occasions, recording zero losses and zero ties. Can they maintain their 100% record against the Red Devils? 

Balogun back in business 

Mauricio Pochettino was preparing for this game with something of a selection headache to overcome, after first-choice striker and top scorer Folarin Balogun was sent off against Bosnia & Herzegovina during the Round-of-32. Fortunately for the Stars and Stripes boss, that problem has been solved, or rather removed. 

Thanks to what appears to have been a rather nonsensical intervention from none other than the President of the United States, Folarin Balogun has had his suspension delayed, meaning that he will be eligible for selection for the remainder of the tournament. Apparently, ensuring that the rules of professional sport don’t always apply is now high on the list of priorities at the White House. 

Ridiculous as this development may seem, Balogun likely won’t care. The Monaco forward has been the star man for the US at this tournament, scoring three goals, including one in the knockouts against Bosnia. He’ll be looking to make the most of his reprieve and add to his tally in Seattle. 

If you’re of the opinion that Balogun will take full advantage of his let off, then you can bet him to score a fourth World Cup goal at +140. There’s also the rather smartly named ‘Live I Never Left’ bet builder that has already tickled thousands of bettors, involving USA to advance, Balogun to score and Balogun to hit three shots on target, paying a juicy +850 at DraftKings.