USA vs Belgium
Match Preview
The United States and Belgium meet in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Lumen Field in Seattle, with kickoff at 00:00 UTC on 7 July - the evening of 6 July local time. For the host nation this is the tie the country has waited for: a knockout match on home soil and a direct rematch of the 2014 Round of 16 in Salvador, when Tim Howard made a remarkable 16 saves but Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku struck in extra time to send Belgium through 2-1. The USA arrive after a controlled 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, riding the energy of packed home crowds. Belgium needed extra time to get past Senegal, twice pegged back before winning 3-2 after a 2-2 draw over 90 minutes. History leans firmly toward the Red Devils, who have won five of the six meetings; the USA's only victory came in their first-ever World Cup match, 3-0 in Montevideo in 1930. Belgium also won the most recent encounter emphatically, 5-2 in a March 2026 friendly in Atlanta that exposed American defensive vulnerabilities. Expect Belgium to control possession through their experienced midfield while the hosts press aggressively and attack the flanks in front of nearly 70,000 fans. If the sides cannot be separated after 90 minutes, extra time and penalties await, with a quarter-final place at stake.
Head-to-Head
Belgium have won five of the six meetings with the USA. The most famous came at the 2014 World Cup Round of 16 in Salvador, where Tim Howard made a remarkable 16 saves but Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku struck in extra time for a 2-1 Belgian win, Julian Green pulling one back. The USA's only victory remains their very first World Cup match ever, a 3-0 win over Belgium in Montevideo in 1930. Most recently, Belgium thrashed the USA 5-2 in a March 2026 friendly in Atlanta, exposing American defensive frailties.
Key Facts
- ●FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 single-elimination knockout tie at Lumen Field, Seattle
- ●The USA reached this stage by beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32
- ●Belgium advanced past Senegal 3-2 after extra time, having been level 2-2 after 90 minutes
- ●A rematch of the 2014 World Cup Round of 16, which Belgium won 2-1 in extra time despite Tim Howard's 16 saves
- ●Belgium have won five of six all-time meetings; the USA's only win was 3-0 at the 1930 World Cup
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is USA vs Belgium at the World Cup 2026?
USA vs Belgium is a Round of 16 knockout match at the FIFA World Cup 2026, played at Lumen Field in Seattle with kickoff at 00:00 UTC on 7 July 2026 - the evening of 6 July local time.
What is the head-to-head record between the USA and Belgium?
They have met six times and Belgium have won five. The USA's only win was 3-0 at the 1930 World Cup in Montevideo, their first-ever World Cup match. Belgium won the 2014 World Cup Round of 16 tie 2-1 in extra time and the most recent meeting, a March 2026 friendly in Atlanta, 5-2.
How did the USA and Belgium reach the Round of 16?
The USA beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32. Belgium edged past Senegal 3-2 after extra time, having been level 2-2 after 90 minutes.
Is this a rematch of the 2014 World Cup game?
Yes. The two sides met at the same stage in Brazil in 2014, when Tim Howard made 16 saves but Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku scored in extra time to give Belgium a 2-1 win. Julian Green scored the USA's consolation goal.
What are the predictions for USA vs Belgium at the World Cup 2026?
PredZone publishes data-driven predictions for USA vs Belgium covering match outcome, total goals and cards. Belgium's superior head-to-head record is balanced against home advantage for the USA in front of a packed Seattle crowd; see the prediction block on this page for the latest recommendations.