Amid the Balogun controversy, the United States and Belgium duel in the World Cup

The United States and Belgium face off this Monday (6) for a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup. The round of 16 clash takes place at 9pm (Brasília time) at Lumen Field, in Seattle, in the United States.

This will be the third time that the teams have faced each other in the World Cup. The first clash was in 1930, in the group stage, when the United States won 3-0.

Years later, in 2014, Belgium got revenge with a 2-1 victory, also in the round of 16. Now, the teams are looking to qualify to continue in the title race.

United States Campaign in the 2026 World Cup
The hosts of the 2026 World Cup, the United States, arrive on the back of a "dream" campaign. Playing at home and with the support of the fans, the American team led its group with two wins and one defeat in three games.

In the round of 32, the USA eliminated Bosnia with a 2-0 victory, despite playing with one player less for most of the time. The team is now looking to match their best recent campaigns, from 2002 and 2014, when they also reached the quarterfinals.

Belgium arrives questioned after the group stage
Belgium, on the other hand, arrives for the clash with some questions. The team finished the group stage with two draws and one victory, ensuring top spot in the group on goal difference.

Qualifying for the round of 16 wasn't easy either. The Belgians staged a dramatic comeback against Senegal, needing a goal at the end of extra time to stay alive in the competition and face the United States.

Rosters and the Folarin Balogun case
For the decisive match, the United States team will have maximum strength. Striker Folarin Balogun, who had received a red card against Bosnia and was due to be suspended, had his punishment annulled by FIFA this Sunday.

With Balogun released, coach Mauricio Pochettino should line up the United States with: Matthew Freese; Alexander Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson; Malik Tillman, Tyler Adams, Sergiño Dest, Christian Pulišic and Weston McKennie; Folarin Balogun.

On the Belgian side, coach Rudi Garcia also has no absences for the game. Belgium's likely lineup is: Courtois; Timothy Castagne, Arthur Theate, Brandon Mechele and De Cuyper; Tielemans, Vanaken, Doku, Leandro Trossard and Kevin De Bruyne; Lukaku (or De Ketelaere).

This text was generated by artificial intelligence based on content produced by Itatiaia. All information is investigated and checked by journalists. The final text is also reviewed by the CNN Brasil journalism team.

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Source: CNN