Times of San Diego will offer match previews of U.S. and Mexico games during the World Cup. For more, see our 2026 World Cup Guide to local watch parties.
Match: US vs. Belgium
When: 5 p.m., Monday
How to watch: Fox5 San Diego, Telemundo and FOX One.
There’s some history here.
The Red Devils defeated the US 2-1 in the 2014 World Cup’s round of 16. After a scoreless 90 minutes featuring a historic 16-save performance by U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard, Belgium forwards Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku scored in extra time with US midfielder Julian Green scoring minutes later.
That match, however, will be remembered for the near point-blank miss in the 92nd minute from forward Chris Wondolowski that would have given his team the victory in regular time.
Despite both teams being evenly matched this year, the difference may ultimately come down to goalkeeping. You have Thibaut Courtois, battle-tested and with World Cup experience, for Belgium, and Matt Freese, talented, but young for the US.
Five days…In five days, we get an opportunity to put this nightmare to rest…If you weren't there, I can't describe the heartache…. #USMNT pic.twitter.com/H5iEEuQ94n
— USMNT CORNER (@USMNTCORNER) July 2, 2026US
The US team looks to keep its Cinderella story going after a gritty 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina as it takes on Belgium in the round of 16.
Strengths: Team USA was able to pull off the victory after losing forward Folarin Balogun on a controversial red card in the 64th minute, which forced the team to play a man down the rest of the way. Instead of folding, the Stars and Stripes managed not only to keep the Dragons from tying the game, but expanded the lead on a free-kick golazo by midfielder Malik Tillman from just outside the box.
Keep an eye on: It will be imperative for the US to regroup mentally knowing that they will be without leading scorer Balogun against a team which has underperformed, but still packs a real offensive punch. Freese has had little to do so far thanks largely to the great play of his backline, but will be put to the test. Forward Ricardo Pepi will probably start in place of Balogun. He will need to come up big if the US has any chance of making the quarterfinals.
Belgium
Belgium scratched its way past Senegal thanks to two late goals and a gifted penalty in the final seconds of extra time, which was converted by midfielder Youri Tielemans.
Strengths: Belgium has left much to be desired so far in this World Cup, but the team has made it this far without even reaching its full potential. The Red Devils also know they will not have to worry about Balogun and can focus more of their attention on the other offensive weapon for Team USA, Christian Pulisic.
Keep an eye on: The three-headed monster of De Bruyne, Lukaku and Tielemans, all seasoned veterans on the World Cup stage.
Hence then, the article about world cup 2026 us faces veteran belgium squad without top scorer or a seasoned goalkeeper was published today ( ) and is available on Times of San Diego ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( World Cup 2026: US faces veteran Belgium squad without top scorer or a seasoned goalkeeper )
Also on site :