The big news ahead of the United States’ last-16 encounter with Belgium is that Folarin Balogun is available to play, despite being sent off in the round of 32.
The striker was dismissed after VAR caught him treading on the ankle of defender Tarik Muharemovic during the US’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara, California.
The former Arsenal forward opened the scoring in the 45th minute, but was given his marching orders later in the game.
However, in a sensational turn of events, FIFA has “suspended” his ban, after a phone call from president Donald Trump.
It has led UEFA to release a scathing statement aimed at FIFA, while Belgium are also considering their own appeal at the verdict.
But as it stands, Balogun is now able to play after his one-game suspension was rescinded.
Hence, he is available to Mauricio Pochettino, who will try to keep the good times rolling for the co-hosts, who are the only one of the three host nations still standing after Mexico’s defeat by England and Canada’s by Morocco.
In terms of other team news, Mark McKenzie and Cristian Roldan are the two absentees with foot and muscle issues.
Otherwise, the USMNT are at full strength.
Matt Freese keeps goal, with Chris Richards and Tim Ream, Premier League present and past, at centre-half. Alex Freeman and Antonee Robinson are the full-backs.
Tyler Adams is the sole pivot, flanked by Malik Tillman and Weston McKennie, who offer physicality and bite to the engine room.
Out wide, Sergino Dest and Christian Pulisic will flank Balogun, should Belgium’s appeal fall flat.
As for the Red Devils, Rudi Garcia has no injury concerns.
They were hugely fortunate to overcome Senegal 3-2 in extra time in their first knockout round, and they scraped through as Group G winners.
Thibaut Courtois, of course, starts in goal, while in defence, it is more mix and match now that the veterans Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen and Vincent Kompany have all retired.
Brandon Mechele has crafted himself out as one of the go-tos, while Arthur Theate could partner him on the left. At full-back, Brighton’s Maxim de Cuyper could get the nod, with Fulham’s Timothy Castagne on the right.
In the midfield double pivot, Youri Tielemans is a permanent fixture, but he could be partnered by either Hans Vanaken or Amadou Onana.
Kevin de Bruyne is the standout pick as the No10, while Jeremy Doku is a shoo-in on the left flank.
Leandro Trossard could be fielded off the right, with the Arsenal star linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Romelu Lukaku is likely to lead the line, although Charles de Ketalaere could be preferred.
Predicted USA XI (4-3-3): Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, Robinson; McKennie, Adams, Tillman; Dest, Balogun, Pulisic
Out: McKenzie, Roldan
Predicted Belgium XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Castange, Mechele, Theate, De Cuyper; Tielemans, Vanaken; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; Lukaku
Date and time: 1am BST on Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Venue: Seattle Stadium, Washington
How to watch: BBC
