The USA are aiming to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002. The tournament hosts will face Belgium on 7 July at Lumen Field in Seattle.
The US national team
As expected, the American side managed to get results in the group stage. Since then, Mauricio Pochettino’s side have put in fairly consistent and steady performances, though they have yet to face any particularly strong opponents.
In the US national team’s last nine international matches, they have averaged 4.1 goals per game. In their four World Cup matches, the team has averaged 13 shots on target per game.
Malik Tillman scored his first goal of the tournament in the last match, which effectively decided the outcome of the game.
Belgium national team
Belgium have already made their mark on this tournament, overcoming setbacks. The ‘Red Devils’ became the first team since 2018 to reach the next round. The side came from behind twice in their play-off match.
The national team has recorded the highest number of shots on goal in this tournament – a total of 92 across four matches (an average of 23 per game). In their last seven matches, the team has conceded just two goals after half-time.
Prediction USA v Belgium
Both teams are evenly matched. It is quite likely that the result of the match will be decided on penalties.
The Belgians do, however, have a better chance of winning.
Win 2
