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How to watch USA v Belgium, team news, injuries, predicted line-ups and more
The USA and Belgium meet in a fascinating World Cup last-16 showdown with a place in the quarter-finals on the line.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side reached this stage by overcoming Bosnia and Herzegovina in the previous round despite playing more than half an hour with 10 men, while Belgium edged past Senegal to keep their hopes of lifting the trophy alive.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game in Seattle…
Kick-off time in the UK
USA vs Belgium kicks off at 01:00 BST on Tuesday 7 July.
How to watch in the UK
TV channel: BBC One
Streaming: BBC iPlayer
Team news
The USA did have a major selection problem after Folarin Balogun was sent off in the 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, FIFA have controversially suspended the implementation of his automatic one-match ban for a probationary period of one year, meaning the striker is available to face Belgium. Mark McKenzie and Cristian Roldan could miss out again, however.
Belgium, meanwhile, have no fresh injury concerns.
Predicted line-ups
USA (4-3-3): Matt Freese; Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson; Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Malik Tillman; Sergino Dest, Folarin Balogun, Christian Pulisic
Belgium (4-2-3-1): Thibaut Courtois; Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele, Arthur Theate, Maxim De Cuyper; Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans; Jérémy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne, Leandro Trossard; Charles De Ketelaere
Recent form
The Americans kicked off the tournament with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Paraguay, before beating Australia 2-0 to secure qualification for the knockouts with a game to spare. A 3-2 defeat to Türkiye in their final group match did little damage, as the USA had already guaranteed top spot. They then beat Bosnia 2-0 in the round of 32.
Belgium were held to a 1-1 draw with Egypt in their opening game before playing out a goalless draw against Iran, leaving qualification in the balance heading into the final group match. They then found top gear with a huge 5-1 victory over New Zealand to secure first place in the group on goal difference.
The Red Devils showed their resilience again in the round of 32, coming from 2-0 down late in normal time to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time.
What’s been said?
Mauricio Pochettino on Balogun being available to play: “I think everyone who really looked at the sport and trusts in ethics and integrity should celebrate that decision.”
Belgium boss Rudi Garcia on that decision: “I didn’t know that at the FIFA World Cup the fifth of July is now the first of April and it’s April Fool’s Day.”
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