USMNT Faces No. 9 Belgium on July 6 in Seattle After Reaching Round of 16

Q: Can the USMNT's athleticism exploit an aging Belgian team, even without its star striker Folarin Balogun?

Yes — that is the clearest path for the United States, but Balogun’s suspension makes the margin for error much smaller. The case for the USMNT is straightforward. Belgium has looked vulnerable in this tournament: it needed extra time to get past Senegal, and analysts including Taylor Twellman have described the Belgians as older, slower and less comfortable in open, high-running games. Senegal’s pace and directness caused Belgium problems, which gives the U.S. a tactical model. The Americans’ athleticism, pressing and transition play could test a Belgian core still built around veteran stars. The age profile supports that idea. The U.S. squad is younger on average and has fewer players over 30 than Belgium. Belgium also logged heavy minutes in its last match, which could matter if the game becomes stretched or turns into a physical contest late. The complication is Balogun. He has been one of the U.S. team’s most important finishers and his absence removes a proven scorer and a forward who can threaten behind the back line. That does not erase the U.S. athletic edge, but it does reduce the team’s ability to punish Belgium if chances are limited. So the U.S. can exploit Belgium physically, but it likely must do it collectively rather than through one star. If the Americans keep their defensive shape, press aggressively and get enough production from replacements such as Ricardo Pepi, the matchup is there to be won.

3 articles · Updated · The News Journal · Jul 2

July 6 at 3 p.m. ET is the United States' next World Cup match, with the USMNT meeting Belgium in Seattle in the round of 16 after beating Bosnia.
A loss would end the U.S. run immediately, while a win would send it to a July 10 quarterfinal in Los Angeles.
Possible quarterfinal opponents are Spain, Portugal, Croatia or Austria, with a July 14 semifinal in Dallas and a July 19 final in New York New Jersey still ahead.
FIFA ranks Belgium ninth and the United States 15th, though this tournament has already produced upsets such as No. 34 Paraguay eliminating No. 12 Germany.
Fox and Telemundo will air the match, and streaming options include YouTube TV, Fubo, Sling TV and Peacock's Spanish-language feed.