Belgium Leads USA 2-1 at Halftime in World Cup Knockout Match

The weather conditions in Seattle are proving favorable ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash between the United States and Belgium.

The temperature at the venue is around 80°F (27°C), with a light breeze and 43% humidity, creating a comfortable playing environment for both teams compared to several warmer and more challenging conditions experienced throughout the tournament.

The moderate climate is expected to help maintain a high tempo, with players less likely to face the extreme heat and humidity that have affected matches at other World Cup venues. Both the USA and Belgium will look to make the most of the ideal conditions as they battle for a place in the quarterfinals.

Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia has officially confirmed his starting lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash against the United States at Seattle Stadium.

The biggest talking point from the team sheet is the decision to leave experienced stars Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku on the bench, with Garcia opting for a younger attacking setup in the knockout encounter.

Official Belgium Starting XI (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper:

Thibaut Courtois

Defenders:

Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy, Brandon Mechele, Maxim De Cuyper

Midfielders:

Amadou Onana, Nicolas Raskin, Youri Tielemans (C)

Forwards:

Dodi Lukébakio, Charles De Ketelaere, Leandro Trossard

Available Subs:

Senne Lammens, Mike Penders, Arthur Theate, Zeno Debast, Thomas Meunier, Koni De Winter, Joaquin Seys, Axel Witsel, Hans Vanaken, Alexis Saelemaekers, Diego Moreira, Matias Fernandez-Pardo, Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku, Romelu Lukaku

Belgium head into the knockout tie with a fully fit squad and no suspension concerns following their dramatic extra-time victory over Senegal in the Round of 32. Despite playing 120 minutes in their previous match, the Red Devils have avoided any major fitness issues ahead of the crucial clash.

Rudi Garcia has made a significant tactical call by introducing changes to his usual setup, with Belgium’s experienced leaders De Bruyne and Lukaku kept in reserve as potential second-half game-changers. The starting attack will rely on the creativity of Trossard and De Ketelaere, while Tielemans is expected to take responsibility in midfield as captain.

The Red Devils will look to use their depth from the bench if the match remains tight, with De Bruyne, Lukaku and Doku offering elite attacking options for the closing stages.

Belgium are flying into this game. They win the ball back high up the pitch and Dodi Lukebakio does brilliantly to cut it back for Youri Tielemans, but the Belgian captain drags his effort wide.

That reaction says it all, Tielemans knows he should have done better. The Red Devils have started with real intensity and are finding gaps in the USA defence.

Belgium’s pressure pays off and they have the breakthrough in Seattle. Charles De Ketelaere puts the Red Devils ahead after a sharp move inside the USA box.

The attack starts with Belgium switching play out wide to Leandro Trossard. Alex Freeman gets a touch in an attempt to clear, but the ball stays alive, Nicolas Raskin reacts quickest and squares it across for De Ketelaere, who makes no mistake from close range.

Belgium have been the better side in the opening minutes and now they have the lead their start deserved.

Belgium are still running the show in Seattle. Leandro Trossard gets space on the right side and decides to take on the shot from distance, but his effort flies over the bar.

The early goal has taken some energy out of the home crowd, and USA are being forced to chase the game. Belgium look comfortable so far and will feel they can build on this lead.

Play has been stopped in Seattle as Amadou Onana goes down holding a concern and is taken off the pitch while the medical staff attend to him.

A worrying pause for Belgium, who have been in complete control of the opening stages. USA get a brief break as everyone waits for an update on the midfielder.

The USA are level, and Seattle has its voice back. Malik Tillman steps up for the free-kick and although his effort crashes into the Belgian wall, the deflection completely wrong-foots Thibaut Courtois before nestling into the net.

It wasn't the cleanest of goals, but the hosts won't care one bit. After being second best for much of the opening half-hour, the USA are right back in this Round of 16 contest.

The celebrations are cut short in Seattle. Moments after Malik Tillman's equaliser, Belgium march straight down the other end and restore their lead through Charles De Ketelaere.

Leandro Trossard whips in a teasing cross from the left, and De Ketelaere rises to power a close-range header beyond Matt Freese for his second goal of the night.

It's a devastating response from Belgium, with De Ketelaere's brace putting the Red Devils back in front almost immediately after USA thought they were back in the contest.

This has been anything but a cautious knockout game, Belgium look the sharper side, but USA are still right in the fight.

Belgium continue to push for another goal, and Matt Freese is forced into action again. Youri Tielemans fires a dangerous low cross into the box from the corner, with Nicolas Raskin getting a touch that sends it towards the near post.

Freese reads it perfectly, covers the angle and gets enough on the effort to keep it out.

Belgium are still causing problems from set pieces. Maxim De Cuyper sends in a deep free-kick from the left, and Dodi Lukebakio gets ahead of his marker to attack it at the near post.

The header has plenty of power but drifts wide, as Belgium continue to look dangerous every time they put the ball into the USA box.

It was initially given as a USA corner, but VAR checks the incident and confirms there was no Belgian touch after Balogun's effort. The decision is overturned, and USA miss a golden opportunity to level things up.

USA come agonisingly close before the break. Malik Tillman launches a long throw into a packed penalty area, the ball drops for Folarin Balogun, but he fires over from close range.

Six minutes have been added on at the end of the first half, and we are already two minutes into stoppage time.

USA are trying to squeeze out one more opportunity before the break, while Belgium will be keen to get into the dressing room still holding their lead.

USA have plenty to fix at the break after struggling to build momentum, with Pochettino needing a response from his side in the second half.

Charles De Ketelaere has been the difference, scoring twice after Malik Tillman's deflected free-kick briefly pulled USA level. The Red Devils have created the better chances and kept the hosts under pressure for long stretches.

Belgium head into the interval deservedly in front after a dominant first half in Seattle.