The United States and Belgium meet at Lumen Field in Seattle on Monday, July 6, with kick-off set for 5pm local time. Both nations are familiar with the venue — each played a group stage fixture there, and Belgium also returned for their round of 32 tie.

Co-hosts the United States have carried themselves with conviction throughout this tournament. Mauricio Pochettino's side opened with a commanding 4-1 win over Paraguay and have netted twice in every match since. Their only defeat, a loss to Turkiye, came once qualification from the group was already secured, stripping it of much significance.

A notable boost for the United States arrived when FIFA suspended Falorin Balogun's one-game ban — the punishment stemming from his straight red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the previous round. The decision was controversial, though many felt the dismissal itself was unwarranted.

Belgium's unconvincing campaign

Belgium's route to this point has been anything but smooth. They required an own goal to draw with Egypt in their tournament opener and were held to a goalless draw by Iran before emphatically beating New Zealand 5-1 to top the group.

Their round of 32 meeting with Senegal told a more troubling story. Belgium were outclassed for the vast majority of that match and found themselves 2-0 down before staging a remarkable comeback in the final four minutes, eventually claiming victory in extra time. It was a performance that raised serious questions about their consistency.

A close call — but the hosts edge it

The bookmakers reflect the uncertainty: Belgium are listed as marginal favourites in what ranks as the tightest fixture of the entire round of 16. Given Belgium's deeply unconvincing display against Senegal — a performance that lingered long after the final whistle — the United States look well-placed to capitalise on home support and advance.

Score prediction: USA 2-1 Belgium