United States and Belgium face off in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with U.S. forward Folarin Balogun returning to the starting lineup after a successful appeal of a red card suspension. Belgium enters the match with key stars Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Jeremy Doku listed as substitutes.
The availability of Balogun follows a legal challenge regarding a disciplinary sentence that would have otherwise sidelined the striker for the knockout stage. According to reports from El País, the player is eligible to start after the suspension of his red card sentence was overturned or modified.
The match represents a critical juncture for both nations as they vie for a spot in the quarter-finals. While the United States relies on the restored presence of Balogun to lead the attack, Belgium’s decision to bench De Bruyne, Lukaku, and Doku suggests a strategic shift or a cautious approach to player fatigue during the tournament’s high-intensity knockout phase, as noted by Yahoo Sports.
Why is Folarin Balogun starting after his red card?
Folarin Balogun is back in the starting eleven for the United States due to a suspension of his red card sentence. According to El País, the legal process regarding his previous expulsion was resolved, allowing the striker to participate in the Round of 16 clash against Belgium.
Which Belgian stars are on the bench?
Belgium has opted for a rotated lineup, leaving three of its most influential players as substitutes. According to Yahoo Sports, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Jeremy Doku are not in the starting eleven.
How to watch United States vs. Belgium live
The Round of 16 match is being broadcast across multiple platforms and networks. In Mexico and the United States, coverage is available via Televisa and TV Azteca, specifically through Canal 5, which is providing live updates and streaming for the World Cup 2026 knockout rounds. TUDN is also providing minute-by-minute live coverage of the event.
Fans can access the game through official broadcasting partners to track the result in real-time.
The next confirmed checkpoint for this tournament is the official match report and the scheduling of the quarter-final matchups, which will be determined by the winners of the current Round of 16 fixtures. Please share your thoughts on Belgium’s surprising lineup choices in the comments below.