SEATTLE (TNND) — The U.S. soccer team will face one of its toughest tests of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday when it takes on Belgium in the Round of 16 in hopes of making it to the quarterfinals.
The Americans advanced to the knockout stage after beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 on Wednesday, securing the country’s first men’s World Cup knockout victory in 24 years. The win extended a surprising run on home soil and fueled growing optimism that the U.S. could make its deepest World Cup run since reaching the quarterfinals in 2002.
Belgium enters the match after defeating Senegal in the Round of 32, led by a veteran squad that has consistently ranked among the world’s top national teams.
For the U.S., the matchup represents another opportunity to build momentum under Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino, whose balanced approach has helped the Americans emerge as one of the tournament’s surprise teams.
Seattle is expected to host a sellout crowd, with thousands of U.S. supporters traveling to cheer on the Americans in what amounts to a win-or-go-home contest.
The winner will head to the quarterfinals, where a matchup with either Portugal or Spain awaits.
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The match also comes amid record interest in the U.S. team. The Americans’ Round of 32 victory drew the largest English-language television audience ever for a soccer match in the U.S., underscoring the growing popularity of the sport as the country hosts the World Cup.