USA vs Belgium: World Cup 1/8 Final Preview

USA face Belgium at Lumen Field on 7 July 2026 in a World Cup 1/8 final, with both group winners arriving in strong form. USA topped Group D with 6 points and a +4 goal difference, while Belgium led Group G with 5 points and a +4 differential.

Player Availability

For USA, three players are unavailable. M. McKenzie (Bruised Foot) is sidelined. C. Roldan (Muscle Bruise) is sidelined. The biggest concern is in attack: F. Balogun (Red Card) is sidelined. Balogun has been a major blow for USA’s forward line, scoring 3 goals in 3 appearances with 8 shots and a 7.23 average rating, leading their scoring charts coming into the knockouts.

Belgium’s only confirmed absentee is in defense: Z. Debast (Leg Injury) is sidelined, slightly reducing their depth at the back but without removing a listed top scorer.

Attacking Output

In terms of attacking output, USA lose their primary goal threat in Balogun, removing all 3 of their recorded goals from the top scorers list for this World Cup. Belgium, by contrast, retain their full attacking unit, keeping intact the 6 goals they produced in the group stage. That imbalance could heavily shape the attacking dynamics of this 1/8 final.