USMNT vs. Belgium Top Storylines, Odds, Live Stream for World Cup 2026

The United States men's national team plays one of its biggest games in program history on Monday night at the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Belgium.

The Americans are in the round of 16 of the World Cup for fourth time in five World Cups, but they haven't gotten past this stage since 2002.

Mauricio Pochettino's side will have to earn the win without leading scorer Folarin Balogun, who was sent off on a controversial red-card decision against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Monday's opponent, Belgium, has to plenty to prove after its come-from-behind win over Senegal.

This is the final chance for Belgium's golden generation to win a World Cup, but the Red Devils displayed plenty of flaws across four games.

Match Info and Odds

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Date: Monday, July 6

Start Time: 8 p.m. ET

TV: Fox

Live Stream: Fox One or FoxSports.com

Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook:

To Qualify for Next Round: United States (-108; bet $108 to win $100); Belgium (-112)

90-Minute Money Line: United States (+170; bet $100 to win $170); Belgium (+160); Draw (+230)

How Will USMNT Deal With Folarin Balogun's Absence?

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Balogun's red card left a huge hole in the American attack.

Balogun has three goals in the tournament and scored one of the two goals in the round-of-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The obvious replacement is Ricardo Pepi, who started alongside Balogun in the second group-stage game against Australia.

Pepi is clearly the No. 2 striker on the depth chart behind Balogun and ahead of Haji Wright.

Pepi isn't in the same form as Balogun, so it might take a collective effort in attack to breach the Belgium back line.

Christian Pulisic will have more responsibilities on his shoulders to create chances and score, as will Malik Tillman and Weston McKennie.

Look for the McKennie-Sergino Dest partnership on the right to have a ton of the ball. They've been successful in breaking down defenses already this tournament and could significantly hurt Belgium.

Belgium's only held one clean sheet in the tournament, so its defense can be susceptible to concessions.

Pepi just has to be as clinical with his chances as Balogun has been this tournament.

If not, the USMNT could be headed for yet another round of 16 exit.

How Will Belgium Respond After Late Round of 32 Comeback?

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Belgium emptied the tank during its come-from-behind win over Senegal.

The Red Devils scored twice in the waning moments of regulation to send the game to extra time. They then netted a penalty in stoppage time of extra time to secure the victory.

Belgium put a lot into the game from the emotional and physical standpoints, so there is a chance it comes out flat on Monday.

Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku will be fresh, though, after they were taken off early in the second half.

De Bruyne and Doku are the most dangerous players in the Belgium side. They might be motivated to shine on Monday after their early exits versus Senegal.

The Americans also have to be wary of Youri Tielemans' threat from deeper in midfield. He scored twice in a more advanced role in the last round, but he is a threat to score from distance.

Belgium didn't show up until about the 80th minute in the last round, so it needs a better start in Seattle.

But there is a chance that just reaching the round of 16 was taxing enough on them and it benefits the USMNT for the entire contest.