World Cup 2026: United States line up in a 4-3-3 with Pulišić against Belgium’s 4-2-3-1

The United States and Belgium meet in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 at Lumen Field, with Mauricio Pochettino’s 4-3-3 facing Rudi Garcia’s 4-2-3-1.

Henry DONCHE

View all articles

On 7 Jul 2026 at 00:40 Updated 7 Jul 2026

FOOTBALL

33 views

Illustration du match États-Unis VS Belgique, le 07/07/2026 01:00, stade Lumen Field

4 min read

Google News Comment

The 2026 World Cup round-of-16 match between the United States and Belgium will take place on July 7, 2026 at 1:00 a.m. GMT+1 at Lumen Field in Seattle. This clash will bring together two experienced sides, managed respectively by Mauricio Pochettino and Rudi Garcia, in a decisive strategic matchup for progression to the next round.

The United States opt for a classic 4-3-3 setup with Christian Pulišić, Folarin Balogun and Sergiño Dest in attack. The choice reflects Pochettino’s desire to base the attacking game on the creativity and pace of his forwards, with a compact midfield of Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and Malik Tillman to handle transitions and ball recovery.

Belgium respond with a 4-2-3-1 formation, balanced between defensive solidity and attacking creation. The central midfield duo of Amadou Onana and Nicolas Raskin will have to contain the American midfield, while Leandro Trossard, Youri Tielemans or Dodi Lukebakio will supply Charles De Ketelaere, alone up front.

In terms of personnel, the notable absences are Folarin Balogun, suspended, and Mark McKenzie for the United States, while Belgium will have to do without Zeno Debast, who has a leg injury. Those absences require adjustments in the respective defenses, while still preserving the announced tactical structure.

Analysis of the United States XI

The United States, coached by Mauricio Pochettino, present a 4-3-3 lineup with Matthew Freese in goal. The defense consists of Alexander Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson, a quartet combining experience and mobility. In midfield, the dynamic trio of Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and Malik Tillman provides a balance between ball winning and build-up play.

In attack, Sergiño Dest and Christian Pulišić, supported by Folarin Balogun, encourage a quick and varied style of play. Balogun’s absence through suspension could call this setup into question, even though the official list names him as a starter. The American bench, with players such as Giovanni Reyna and Timothy Weah, offers attacking alternatives.

Analysis of the Belgium XI

Belgium will play under Rudi Garcia in a 4-2-3-1, with Thibaut Courtois in goal as a guarantee of top-level security. The defense brings together Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy, Brandon Mechele and Maxim De Cuyper, a group combining solidity and attacking support.

The central midfield entrusted to Nicolas Raskin and Amadou Onana is responsible for ball recovery and distribution. The attacking trio behind Charles De Ketelaere, positioned as the lone striker, includes Dodi Lukebakio, Youri Tielemans and Leandro Trossard, players capable of varying attacks and exploiting space.

The presence of key figures such as Courtois, Tielemans and De Ketelaere underlines the experience Garcia is relying on to reach the quarter-finals, despite the absence of defender Zeno Debast, which weakens the defensive sector.

Starting lineups

United States

System4-3-3Head coachMauricio Pochettino

Starters11

24 Matthew Freese Goalkeeper
16 Alexander Freeman Defender
3 Chris Richards Defender
13 Tim Ream Defender
5 Antonee Robinson Defender
8 Weston McKennie Midfielder
4 Tyler Adams Midfielder
17 Malik Tillman Midfielder
2 Sergiño Dest Forward
20 Folarin Balogun Forward
10 Christian Pulišić Forward

Substitutes14

1 Matt Turner
25 Chris Brady
12 Miles Robinson
22 Mark McKenzie
6 Auston Trusty
23 Joe Scally
26 Alex Zendejas
7 Giovanni Reyna
18 Maximilian Arfsten
21 Timothy Weah
11 Brenden Aaronson
14 Sebastian Berhalter
19 Haji Wright
9 Ricardo Pepi

Belgium

System4-2-3-1Head coachRudi Garcia

Starters11

1 Thibaut Courtois Goalkeeper
21 Timothy Castagne Defender
25 Nathan Ngoy Defender
4 Brandon Mechele Defender
5 Maxim De Cuyper Defender
23 Nicolas Raskin Midfielder
24 Amadou Onana Midfielder
14 Dodi Lukebakio Midfielder
8 Youri Tielemans Midfielder
10 Leandro Trossard Midfielder
17 Charles De Ketelaere Forward

Substitutes15

13 Mike Penders
12 Senne Lammens
18 Joaquin Seys
3 Arthur Theate
16 Koni De Winter
2 Zeno Debast
15 Thomas Meunier
19 Diego Moreira
11 Jérémy Doku
22 Alexis Saelemaekers
6 Axel Witsel
7 Kevin De Bruyne
20 Hans Vanaken
26 Matías Fernández-Pardo
9 Romelu Lukaku

United States

Half-time 1-2 Lumen Field

Belgium

07/07/2026 01:00 Round of 16

Fil du match

9'But - C. De Ketelaere (passe N. Raskin)Belgique, 9e
21'Remplacement - A. Onana (remplace H. Vanaken)Belgique, 21e
31'But - M. TillmanÉtats-Unis, 31e
33'But - C. De Ketelaere (passe L. Trossard)Belgique, 33e
35'Carton jaune - W. McKennieÉtats-Unis, 35e

Round of 16 schedule

View full schedule