Christian Pulisic (centre) of the United States participates in a training session with teammates. (AFP)
Doha, Qatar: Seattle braces for another World Cup chapter as co-hosts USA attempt to finally overcome Belgium and book a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals.
The kick-off is scheduled at 3am, Qatar time.
For the Americans, it is also an opportunity to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since their memorable run at Korea and Japan 2002. Standing in their way is the same Belgian side that ended the United States’ World Cup dream in Brazil 12 years ago.
The Stars and Stripes enter the contest riding a wave of confidence after an impressive campaign under Mauricio Pochettino. They have scored at least two goals in every match at the tournament, recovering from a group-stage defeat to Turkiye before dispatching Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32. It has been a run that home supporters believe could become the nation’s finest World Cup campaign in more than two decades.
The occasion carries extra emotion after the squad marked the 250th anniversary of American independence while preparing for the biggest knockout match of their careers.
Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium takes part in a training session.
“It is special. It’s definitely special because it’s during a World Cup and triple special because it’s here in the US,” captain Tim Ream said.
Pochettino, however, has received a timely boost ahead of the quarter-final. The United States’ leading scorer, Folarin Balogun, will be available after FIFA suspended the implementation of the one-match ban he initially received following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. His availability gives the co-hosts a major boost as they look to build on their impressive attacking displays.
Christian Pulisic, who has been crucial throughout the tournament, is expected to play a key role, while midfielder Weston McKennie will look to match Belgium’s physicality. Goalkeeper Matt Turner could also have another busy evening against the Red Devils.
Belgium arrive in Seattle unbeaten but tested. After opening the tournament with back-to-back draws, the Red Devils found their rhythm with a 5-1 victory over New Zealand before surviving a dramatic Round of 32 encounter against Senegal, eventually prevailing 3-2 thanks to Youri Tielemans’ penalty deep into extra time.
Belgium have scored eight goals in their last two matches. Kevin De Bruyne continues to dictate the tempo with his creativity, while Jeremy Doku’s pace and Romelu Lukaku’s finishing provide a constant threat. Tielemans has also shown his ability to deliver in decisive moments.
History also favours the Europeans. Belgium have won all five previous meetings between the nations, including the unforgettable 2-1 extra-time victory in the Round of 16 at Brazil 2014. More recently, Belgium defeated the United States 5-2 in a March 2026 friendly, offering another reminder of the challenge awaiting the hosts.
Despite that record, this American team believes circumstances are different. Playing before a passionate home crowd, carrying the momentum of an impressive tournament, the United States feel this is their best chance yet to end the Belgian hoodoo.
Interestingly, both teams have conceded only four goals throughout the tournament, suggesting defensive discipline could prove just as decisive as attacking flair.
With a quarter-final against either Spain or Portugal awaiting, there is little need for extra motivation. One nation will move within three victories of lifting the World Cup.
The other will watch its dream end in Seattle.
