# USA vs Belgium Round of 16: Can Pochettino’s Squad Make History Again?
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage is heating up, and the US Men’s National Team is right in the middle of the action. After a gritty 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 — despite playing the final 25 minutes with 10 men — Mauricio Pochettino’s squad now faces a massive test: Belgium in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, July 7 in Seattle.
## How the US Got Here
The USA’s World Cup campaign has been defined by resilience. After topping their group, they faced Bosnia in the Round of 32 at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. The match took a dramatic turn when Folarin Balogun was controversially sent off in the 64th minute after a VAR review deemed his challenge on Tarik Muharemovic worthy of a red card.
Down to 10 men, the US didn’t crumble. Malik Tillman stepped up with a magnificent free-kick from the edge of the box to seal the 2-0 win — a result that marked the first US World Cup knockout victory since 2002.
## Belgium Looms Large
Belgium advanced past Senegal with a 3-2 win in the Round of 32, showing the kind of firepower that makes them dangerous. The Red Devils boast an experienced squad, and this isn’t their first rodeo — they finished third in 2018 and have been a perennial contender.
If that sounds familiar, it’s because the US played Belgium in a friendly back in March 2026. The result? A 5-2 loss. But that was a different time — the squad has grown since then, and Pochettino’s system is clicking at the right moment.
## What’s at Stake
A win over Belgium would send the US to the Quarterfinals — a stage the US hasn’t reached since 2002. It would also be a massive statement for American soccer on home soil. The match takes place in Seattle, meaning another raucous pro-US crowd.
The winner of USA vs Belgium will face the winner of Portugal vs Spain in the Quarterfinals on July 10.
## Upcoming World Cup Schedule (Round of 16)
| Date | Match | Venue |
|——|——-|——-|
| Jul 5 | Brazil vs Norway | — |
| Jul 6 | Mexico vs England | Mexico City |
| Jul 6 | Portugal vs Spain | — |
| **Jul 7** | **USA vs Belgium** | **Seattle** |
| Jul 7 | Argentina vs Egypt | — |
| Jul 7 | Switzerland vs Colombia | — |
## FAQ
**Q: When is the USA vs Belgium World Cup match?**
A: Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Kickoff is at 01:00 BST / Monday July 6 at 8:00 PM ET.
**Q: Where is the USA vs Belgium match being played?**
A: The match will be held in Seattle, Washington — one of the host cities for the 2026 World Cup.
**Q: Who scored for the USA against Bosnia?**
A: Folarin Balogun scored the opener in first-half stoppage time, and Malik Tillman added a stunning free-kick after the US went down to 10 men.
**Q: Who is the USA’s head coach?**
A: Mauricio Pochettino, the former Tottenham and Chelsea manager, is leading the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup.
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