The USA is shifting on to the Spherical of 16 on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Folarin Balogun’s purpose within the forty fifth minute proved to be sufficient, as america knocked off Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 Wednesday night time.
So, what’s up subsequent for america on the World Cup?
A match towards Belgium, one of many prime ten groups on the earth previous to the beginning of the match. Belgium booked a spot within the Spherical of 16 with a dramatic, comeback win towards Senegal, and now await america within the Spherical of 16.
Right here’s what you might want to learn about Belgium forward of Monday’s matchup.
Belgium’s run to the Spherical of 16
Belgium completed one thing we now have not seen since, effectively, america in the course of the 2010 World Cup.
Successful the group regardless of not successful both of their first two matches.
After a pair of punchless performances in group play – a 1-1 draw with Egypt adopted by a 0-0 draw with Iran, with the lone purpose an personal purpose from Egyptian defender Mohamed Hany – Belgium clinched the highest spot in Group G with a 5-1 victory over New Zealand, reserving a match within the Spherical of 32 towards Senegal.
In that match towards New Zealand a pair of objectives from Leandro Trossard, the primary within the twenty eighth minute and the second within the fiftieth minute, had been sufficient for Belgium to maneuver on. However Rudi Garcia’s aspect added three extra for good measure, as Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Saelemaekers, and Kevin De Bruyne all scored. De Bruyne’s strike, coming outdoors the field, was particularly a shocking second.
Then got here the match towards Senegal within the Spherical of 32, which just about mirrored Belgium’s run to the knockout stage of the World Cup. The primary 85 minutes or so had been all Senegal, because the African aspect constructed a 2-0 lead and shifting on to the Spherical of 16 themselves.
Every part then modified within the closing minutes of bizarre time.
First it was Lukaku, who got here on in its place and pulled one again for Belgium within the 86th minute:
Then simply minutes later Youri Tielemans one way or the other received to this ball into the field, and his header pulled Belgium degree:
The match superior to further time, and within the second quarter-hour, it was once more Tielemans calling for the ball within the field, solely this time he was chopped all the way down to the turf.
After a video evaluate, a penalty was awarded. Tielemans stepped to the spot, buried his shot, and all however despatched Belgium via to the Spherical of 16:
Moments later that was official, as the ultimate whistle blew.
The Napoli midfielder earned his 123rd cap for Belgium towards Senegal, and his second of brilliance towards New Zealand illustrates what the previous Manchester Metropolis participant is able to:
That purpose, coming days forward of his thirty fifth birthday, was his thirty eighth worldwide purpose for Belgium. He was additionally a important piece for Belgium in the course of the group’s run to a third-place end on the 2018 World Cup, as he completed the match with a purpose and a pair of assists.
The imposing striker, used as extra of a brilliant sub at this level in his profession, can nonetheless affect a match. Coming off the bench towards Egypt in Belgium’s opening match of group play, his aspect equalized mere seconds after he got here onto the pitch, along with his presence in entrance impacting the movement of play.
And it was his purpose towards Senegal late within the match that pulled Belgium again into the competition:
Lukaku appeared in simply 5 matches for Napoli this previous 12 months, scoring as soon as, however appears to be nearing full health at this level within the World Cup. And that comes at a harmful time for america defenders.
The midfielder was a key a part of Arsenal’s run to the Premier League title, as he scored six objectives and added six assists in the course of the EPL season. His brace towards New Zealand was a giant motive Belgium gained the group, and this purpose highlights his talent and high quality:
Not solely do you see the stunning contact and switch, however the response expertise to play the ball to his foot off the deflection and end are prime notch.
The Actual Madrid keeper stays probably the greatest to ever do it.
Whereas Thibaut Courtois might retire from the worldwide stage following this World Cup, he stays a hulking presence in purpose, his 6’7 body sending shivers down the backbone of many a striker. Courtois gained the Golden Glove on the 2018 World Cup, recording 27 saves whereas protecting three clear sheets over seven matches, and conceding simply six instances.
Whereas he has battled accidents in recent times, together with lacking your complete 2023-24 season with a torn ACL, he has conceded simply twice forward of the Spherical of 16.
He additionally set a brand new nationwide document within the match towards New Zealand, because it was his 18th World Cup tie for Belgium.
The Manchester Metropolis ahead has but to attain on the 2026 World Cup, with a pair of assists to his credit score, and was subbed off the pitch within the second half towards Senegal. Doku additionally missed the match towards Iraq attributable to a respiratory an infection, and did briefly return house to be along with his spouse Shireen because the couple celebrated the beginning of their first baby, Reward.
Whereas he has but to open his account within the 2026 World Cup, he stays a menace that the USMNT must monitor when he’s on the pitch.
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