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The USMNT earned a major boost against Belgium ahead of the Round of 16 and now their World Cup odds are shifting after Folarin Balogun’s red card was overturned.
Mauricio Pochettino and the USMNT were faced with a huge decision for their July 6 game against Belgium after Balogun’s red card. However, FIFA went back on their original choice and now the American star striker is eligible to compete.
MORE: Folarin Balogun red card decision reignites FIFA corruption claims
The Balogun news is a massive lift for America after the team originally expected to be without its top goalscorer. Balogun leads the U.S. with three goals during the 2026 World Cup.
Now, the Americans’ odds are increasing ahead of their matchup with Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Belgium. Team USA currently boast -126 odds to beat Belgium and advance to the quarterfinals, per FanDuel Sportsbook.
The U.S. have faced Belgium six times in their soccer history, but only managed to take down the European nation on one occasion.
The Americans are trying to advance past the Round of 16 for just the third time in the USMNT’s history. Landon Donovan and Co. reached the quarterfinals in 2002 during the Japan and South Korea World Cup.
MORE: Folarin Balogun red card ban lifted ahead of crucial USMNT Round of 16 match vs Belgium
However, the top U.S. finish came back in 1930 at the first World Cup when the USA finished third place in an eight-team tournament.
Folarin Balogun celebrates with Sergino Dest as Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Kerim Alajbegovic looks dejected. Mandatory Credit: Carlos Barria-Reuters via Imagn Images
Belgium edged the Americans in the final FIFA rankings prior to the 2026 World Cup with their ninth place standing. Meanwhile, Team USA checks in at no. 15 despite not having to go through the qualifying process.
The Americans were one of three automatic bids after the U.S., Canada and Mexico earning co-hosting status.
Balogun and America won their opening group stage games against Paraguay and Australia before losing to Turkey in the Group D finale. Meanwhile, their win over Bosnia and Herzegovina booked the team a place in the Round of 16.
Belgium enters the July 6 affair with America with two wins and two draws. The European nation won their most recent games against New Zealand and Senegal after scoring a combined eight goals.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Mauricio Pochettino and the USMNT were faced with a huge decision for their July 6 game against Belgium after Balogun’s red card. However, FIFA went back on their original choice and now the American star striker is eligible to compete.
MORE: Folarin Balogun red card decision reignites FIFA corruption claims
The Balogun news is a massive lift for America after the team originally expected to be without its top goalscorer. Balogun leads the U.S. with three goals during the 2026 World Cup.
USMNT odds for Belgium after shocking Balogun decision
Now, the Americans’ odds are increasing ahead of their matchup with Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Belgium. Team USA currently boast -126 odds to beat Belgium and advance to the quarterfinals, per FanDuel Sportsbook.
The U.S. have faced Belgium six times in their soccer history, but only managed to take down the European nation on one occasion.
The Americans are trying to advance past the Round of 16 for just the third time in the USMNT’s history. Landon Donovan and Co. reached the quarterfinals in 2002 during the Japan and South Korea World Cup.
MORE: Folarin Balogun red card ban lifted ahead of crucial USMNT Round of 16 match vs Belgium
However, the top U.S. finish came back in 1930 at the first World Cup when the USA finished third place in an eight-team tournament.
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Folarin Balogun celebrates with Sergino Dest as Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Kerim Alajbegovic looks dejected. Mandatory Credit: Carlos Barria-Reuters via Imagn Images
USA, Belgium rankings before World Cup
Belgium edged the Americans in the final FIFA rankings prior to the 2026 World Cup with their ninth place standing. Meanwhile, Team USA checks in at no. 15 despite not having to go through the qualifying process.
The Americans were one of three automatic bids after the U.S., Canada and Mexico earning co-hosting status.
Balogun and America won their opening group stage games against Paraguay and Australia before losing to Turkey in the Group D finale. Meanwhile, their win over Bosnia and Herzegovina booked the team a place in the Round of 16.
Belgium enters the July 6 affair with America with two wins and two draws. The European nation won their most recent games against New Zealand and Senegal after scoring a combined eight goals.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Continue reading...
