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Major League Soccer

·5 July 2026

By Alejandro Bedoya

The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) is set to face Belgium in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 — a fixture that brings back vivid memories for American fans.

Back in Brazil 2014, I had the privilege of playing 105 minutes in that unforgettable knockout clash. Tim Howard produced a legendary display, earning the nickname ‘Secretary of Defense’ after making a World Cup-record 16 saves against Belgium’s golden generation.

That encounter ended 0-0 in regulation time before Belgium edged us 2-1 in extra time, knocking us out of the tournament. That Belgian side was exceptional, and although we created some chances, winning that game was always a long shot.

This time, I believe the story could be different. On Monday night, the US will host Belgium in Seattle (8 pm ET | FOX, Telemundo, Peacock), and the atmosphere promises to be electric.

Belgium still have a few stars from their 2014 squad — Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, and Romelu Lukaku — but they’re now older, and the team as a whole isn’t as dominant. Given the US’s current form under Mauricio Pochettino and the advantage of playing on home soil, they have a real shot to advance, perhaps even as favourites.

In 2014, we entered as heavy underdogs. This time, it’s different. This US side is strong, confident, and in rhythm. The match is likely to be more open, which suits the Americans well. They’ll have more of the ball and will be able to create more opportunities.

What many may forget about that 2014 game is what was at stake. Had we beaten Belgium, we would have faced Argentina and Lionel Messi in the quarterfinals over the Fourth of July weekend. Just imagine the attention that matchup would have drawn. We missed that chance then — but now, on another Independence Day weekend, history offers a similar opportunity. A win here would not only make history but further cement this team’s legacy.

While the focus is firmly on Belgium, the players know that Spain and Portugal are also in their side of the bracket. A victory would open the door to another massive showdown against one of football’s elite nations. Imagine a quarterfinal against Spain or Portugal — the global interest and television viewership would be immense.

There’s a major challenge, though: the USMNT will be without Folarin Balogun, who is suspended after receiving a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The decision was harsh. When slowed down on Video Review, the play appeared worse than it was. Watching it live, it was clear there was no malicious intent — just a typical football collision. In my view, a yellow card would have sufficed.

Ironically, that red card has given the team extra motivation. They’re eager to reach the quarterfinals to have their striker back. That kind of unity and drive can be a powerful force in knockout football.

Replacing Balogun won’t be straightforward. He’s the best striker in the squad and has been in superb form for both the national team and AS Monaco. A strong World Cup showing could even earn him a move to a bigger club or league.

Mauricio Pochettino might turn to Ricardo Pepi, although he hasn’t had his best tournament so far. Haji Wright is another option — he’s strong, good in the air, and capable of stretching defences. Alternatively, Pochettino could deploy Christian Pulisic as a false No. 9, though that would alter the team’s system significantly.

I trust Pochettino to make the right tactical adjustments and find a way to fill the void left by the team’s leading scorer.

One more point of motivation: a win would see the USMNT match the 2002 World Cup team’s achievement of reaching the quarterfinals — and it would make them the first American men’s team ever to win two knockout matches in a single World Cup.

The stakes couldn’t be higher, and I can’t wait to feel the energy in the Seattle crowd. The players feed off that passion and noise, and it can give them that extra five or ten percent edge — which might just prove decisive.

Let’s go!!!