The United States is set to face off against Belgium in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup on Monday, July 6, at Seattle's Lumen Field. The match is scheduled to kick off at 11:00 PM UTC (8:00 PM Cuban time), promising to be one of the most exciting encounters in the knockout stage.
This matchup carries a rich history in World Cup tournaments. Belgium ousted the U.S. during the Round of 16 in Brazil 2014 with a 2-0 scoreline in extra time. More recently, the U.S. suffered a 5-2 defeat in a preparatory friendly match against Belgium held in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
Path to the Round of 16
The United States advanced to this stage as the leaders of Group D, boasting six points and a goal difference of +4. They secured victories against Paraguay (4-1) and Australia (2-0) but fell short against Turkey (2-3) in the final group match.
In the Round of 32, the host nation triumphed over Bosnia and Herzegovina with a 2-0 victory, featuring goals from Folarin Balogun (45') and Malik Tillman (82' from a free kick). The team had to defend their lead with ten players for over 25 minutes after Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute.
This marks the first time since the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup that the U.S. has progressed beyond the group stage. However, they will be missing their top scorer Balogun, who has netted four goals in the tournament, due to suspension.
Belgium's Dramatic Progress
Belgium topped Group G with five points and a +4 goal difference, drawing against Egypt (1-1) and Iran (0-0) and securing a resounding 5-1 victory over New Zealand.
Their path to the Round of 16 was marked by drama, as they overturned a 0-2 deficit against Senegal. Romelu Lukaku scored in the 86th minute, followed by a header from Youri Tielemans in the 89th minute. Tielemans later sealed the 3-2 win with a penalty at 124 minutes during extra time, marking the latest goal ever recorded in World Cup history, according to The Analyst.
The victor of the July 6 clash will proceed to the quarter-finals of the tournament, which, for the first time, features 48 competing nations.
Key Insights into the USA vs. Belgium Match
What time does the USA vs. Belgium match start?
The match between the United States and Belgium will begin at 11:00 PM UTC (8:00 PM Cuban time) on July 6, 2026.
Why is Folarin Balogun suspended for the match?
Folarin Balogun is suspended due to a red card he received during the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which led to his ejection from the game.
How did Belgium advance to the Round of 16?
Belgium advanced by finishing first in Group G and defeating Senegal 3-2 in a dramatic comeback during the Round of 32.