The success of the Milwaukee Bucks once again hinges on developing a supporting cast around star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
So far, the search has been a costly five-year project that has produced a total of one playoff series win since the Bucks captured the NBA title. The primary constant through the ongoing overhaul has been Antetokounmpo, who won back-to-back MVP awards in 2019 and 2020.
Antetokounmpo, averaging 31.2 points per game, exited last Monday’s loss against Cleveland with a low-grade left groin strain and is expected to miss one to two weeks.
Even with a healthy Antetokounmpo, questions remain about the rebuilt roster under veteran coach Doc Rivers.
Without Antetokounmpo, the Bucks saw their 13-game winning streak against the Detroit Pistons end with a 129-116 loss on Saturday to fall to 8-9. It was their fourth consecutive loss and second without Antetokounmpo.
Prior to the 2020-21 season, the Bucks added standout guard Jrue Holiday to a lineup that also included veterans Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton, resulting in their first NBA title since 1971.
Milwaukee lost the following season in the Eastern Conference semifinals, followed by three consecutive first-round playoff exits, including 2023 when the Bucks had an NBA-best 58-24 regular-season record.
After three seasons with the Bucks, Holiday was traded away in a costly three-team deal involving Portland and Phoenix that brought all-star guard Damian Lillard to Milwaukee. The highly anticipated pairing of Antetokounmpo and Lillard never paid off.
An injured Lillard was waived after last season and ironically resigned with Portland. The Bucks then signed veteran free agent center-forward Myles Turner after 10 seasons with Indiana.
In addition to Lillard, Lopez left via free agency, Pat Connaughton was traded, and Chris Livingston was waived. Last February, Middleton was traded to Washington for Kyle Kuzma.
Returnees included AJ Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Bobby Portis, Taurean Prince, Jericho Sims, Gary Trent Jr., and guard Ryan Rollins.
Rollins has been the biggest surprise, averaging a second-best 17.4 points through 15 games. Kuzma, Turner, Green and Trent each average in double figures, with Portis just a shade below.
Kuzma, who averaged 19.5 points per game during his four seasons with Washington, has settled into a sixth-man role with the Bucks, averaging 13.5 points in 26 minutes.
Porter, who began the season as the starting point guard, suffered an ankle injury in the opening game. But he injured his right knee while working his way back and was expected to miss about four weeks after surgery on his right knee meniscus.
After eight games, Prince underwent surgery for a herniated disc in his neck and his return date is uncertain.
During the 2021 championship season, Antetokounmpo averaged 28.1 points and 11.0 rebounds. Middleton averaged 20.4 points, Lopez 12.3 points, and Holiday 17.7 points and 6.1 assists.
Even when Porter and Prince return, the current edition of the Bucks do not have the same supporting offensive firepower as the championship team, or the 2022-23 squad, putting even more pressure on Antetokounmpo, who turns 31 in early December.
In 2024, Antetokounmpo missed the entire first-round playoff series against Indiana with a strained left calf. In 2023, he hurt his lower back in the opening playoff game against Miami and didn’t return until Game 4 when the top-seeded Bucks were ousted in five games.
Like most teams built around one superstar, the Bucks cannot win without a healthy Antetokounmpo. The immediate challenge is finding the combination to win with him.
#Deadspin #Reports #Lions #Terrion #Arnold #clears #waivers">Deadspin | Reports: Former Lions CB Terrion Arnold clears waivers
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (6) practices during mini camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
Released last week by the Detroit Lions after he was arrested on eight felony charges last month, cornerback Terrion Arnold cleared waivers, multiple outlets reported on Monday.
Arnold was arrested on June 24 and is facing charges of armed robbery and kidnapping related to an incident in February near Tampa, Fla.
Arnold is expected to meet with NFL teams that have expressed interest in signing him.
“Although Mr. Arnold has been released by the Detroit Lions organization, he already has been contacted by three other NFL clubs regarding his services,” defense attorney Harvey Steinberg wrote last week.
Arnold is accused of being the ringleader of a plot to avenge a theft in February by detaining and pistol-whipping the men he believed were responsible. But authorities said none of the victims Arnold and co-conspirators allegedly kidnapped and attacked were involved with stealing items from Arnold.
The 23-year-old who played at Alabama and was drafted by the Lions was the primary conspirator, according to prosecutors. All three victims are in their teens, according to court documents.
Arnold reported the theft of more than $250,000 in property from an Airbnb in Largo, Fla., near Tampa, three days before the alleged kidnapping and assault occurred.
Now two teams that met in the Semifinals during the 2022 FIFA World Cup will meet a round earlier, this time with a spot in the Semifinals on the line. In that match back in Qatar, France took an early 1-0 lead on a goal from Theo Hernández in the fifth minute, and salted away the match when Randal Kolo Muani slotted home in the 79th minute.
Time to break out all the historical analogies you can muster!
Norway is moving on to the Quarterfinals for the first time in history, following Sunday’s 2-1 win over Brazil. Erling Haaland continued his Golden Boot campaign with a brace, bringing his total to seven goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
They will take on England, after the Three Lions survived everything that was thrown at them on Sunday night in Mexico City. England’s 3-2 win over Mexico pushed them through to the Quarterfinals.
The third Quarterfinals matchup was determined Monday.
Tournament favorite Spain eliminated Portugal with a late winner from Mikel Merino. The USMNT followed suit with the rest of the host nations going out in the Round of 16 after a 1-4 loss to Belgium.
Argentina/Egypt vs. Switzerland/Colombia
The fourth and final Quarterfinals matchup will be set on Tuesday.
Lionel Messi and Argentina will hope to return to the Semifinals when they take on Mohamed Salah and Egypt at noon Eastern in Atlanta. The winner of that match will meet the winner of Tuesday evening’s tilt between Switzerland and Colombia.
Potential Semifinals matchups
Now let’s take a quick peek ahead at what we could see in the Semifinals.
Match 101: France/Morocco vs. TBD
On the left side of the bracket, the winner of Thursday’s match between France and Morocco in Boston will take on the team that emerges from the bottom-left quadrant. As of publication, Spain and Portugal are the two teams vying for that spot.
Match 102: England/Norway vs. TBD
Then on the right side of the bracket, the winner of Saturday’s tilt between England and Norway will take on the team that emerges from the bottom-right quadrant. As of publication Argentina, Egypt, Colombia, and Switzerland are the four teams fighting for that spot.
Now two teams that met in the Semifinals during the 2022 FIFA World Cup will meet a round earlier, this time with a spot in the Semifinals on the line. In that match back in Qatar, France took an early 1-0 lead on a goal from Theo Hernández in the fifth minute, and salted away the match when Randal Kolo Muani slotted home in the 79th minute.
Time to break out all the historical analogies you can muster!
Norway is moving on to the Quarterfinals for the first time in history, following Sunday’s 2-1 win over Brazil. Erling Haaland continued his Golden Boot campaign with a brace, bringing his total to seven goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
They will take on England, after the Three Lions survived everything that was thrown at them on Sunday night in Mexico City. England’s 3-2 win over Mexico pushed them through to the Quarterfinals.
The third Quarterfinals matchup was determined Monday.
Tournament favorite Spain eliminated Portugal with a late winner from Mikel Merino. The USMNT followed suit with the rest of the host nations going out in the Round of 16 after a 1-4 loss to Belgium.
Argentina/Egypt vs. Switzerland/Colombia
The fourth and final Quarterfinals matchup will be set on Tuesday.
Lionel Messi and Argentina will hope to return to the Semifinals when they take on Mohamed Salah and Egypt at noon Eastern in Atlanta. The winner of that match will meet the winner of Tuesday evening’s tilt between Switzerland and Colombia.
Potential Semifinals matchups
Now let’s take a quick peek ahead at what we could see in the Semifinals.
Match 101: France/Morocco vs. TBD
On the left side of the bracket, the winner of Thursday’s match between France and Morocco in Boston will take on the team that emerges from the bottom-left quadrant. As of publication, Spain and Portugal are the two teams vying for that spot.
Match 102: England/Norway vs. TBD
Then on the right side of the bracket, the winner of Saturday’s tilt between England and Norway will take on the team that emerges from the bottom-right quadrant. As of publication Argentina, Egypt, Colombia, and Switzerland are the four teams fighting for that spot.
Now two teams that met in the Semifinals during the 2022 FIFA World Cup will meet a round earlier, this time with a spot in the Semifinals on the line. In that match back in Qatar, France took an early 1-0 lead on a goal from Theo Hernández in the fifth minute, and salted away the match when Randal Kolo Muani slotted home in the 79th minute.
Time to break out all the historical analogies you can muster!
Norway is moving on to the Quarterfinals for the first time in history, following Sunday’s 2-1 win over Brazil. Erling Haaland continued his Golden Boot campaign with a brace, bringing his total to seven goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
They will take on England, after the Three Lions survived everything that was thrown at them on Sunday night in Mexico City. England’s 3-2 win over Mexico pushed them through to the Quarterfinals.
The third Quarterfinals matchup was determined Monday.
Tournament favorite Spain eliminated Portugal with a late winner from Mikel Merino. The USMNT followed suit with the rest of the host nations going out in the Round of 16 after a 1-4 loss to Belgium.
Argentina/Egypt vs. Switzerland/Colombia
The fourth and final Quarterfinals matchup will be set on Tuesday.
Lionel Messi and Argentina will hope to return to the Semifinals when they take on Mohamed Salah and Egypt at noon Eastern in Atlanta. The winner of that match will meet the winner of Tuesday evening’s tilt between Switzerland and Colombia.
Potential Semifinals matchups
Now let’s take a quick peek ahead at what we could see in the Semifinals.
Match 101: France/Morocco vs. TBD
On the left side of the bracket, the winner of Thursday’s match between France and Morocco in Boston will take on the team that emerges from the bottom-left quadrant. As of publication, Spain and Portugal are the two teams vying for that spot.
Match 102: England/Norway vs. TBD
Then on the right side of the bracket, the winner of Saturday’s tilt between England and Norway will take on the team that emerges from the bottom-right quadrant. As of publication Argentina, Egypt, Colombia, and Switzerland are the four teams fighting for that spot.
Malik Tillman becomes second player to score two freekick goals in same FIFA World Cup since 1966
Malik Tillman joins Bernard Genghini as the second player to score two freekick goals in a single World Cup.
Half time!
Pulisic sends the ball into the box from the right corner, but it is Courtois who meets it in the air. And the referee uses that moment to end the first half.
Charles De Ketelaere’s brace is the point of difference at the moment.
45+4′ USA 1-2 BEL
Tillman plays a lovely through ball into the box for Balogun, who seemed in pole position to reach it. But, out comes Courtois and bravely clears the ball away from danger.
45+2′ USA 1-2 BEL
Dest gets the ball and tries to go on a run down the right side. But De Cuypers does well to track back and nick the ball away.
45′ USA 1-2 BEL
Tillman launches the ball in from a throw-in on the right, and Freeman heads it forward for Balogun, whose attempt from close range goes sailing into the stands behind the goal.
Six minutes of added time to play in the first half.
43′ USA 1-2 BEL
De Cuypers stands over the ball and sends a good-looking cross into the box. Lukebakio is completely unmarked and he should have done better with his header which goes well wide of the left post.
42′ USA 1-2 BEL
Belgium gets a free kick in the opposition half after Vanaken is sent to the floor by Richards.
39′ USA 1-2 BEL
Tielemans sends an outswinging corner from the right, which is directed towards the goal by Raksin. But Freese watches the ball closely and makes an easy save.
35′ USA 1-2 BEL
And the first booking of the game goes to Weston McKennie, who is punished for a late sliding challenge.
33′ USA 1-2 BEL | GOAALL!
DE KETELAERE SCORES AGAIN! THE LEAD IS RESTORED IN QUICK TIME!
Brilliant work from Trossard on the left wing as he collects the ball and takes his time before sending in a tempting cross into the middle.
De Ketelaere is once again there, and he towers over Ream to head the ball into the back of the net.
31′ USA 1-1 BEL | GOAALL!
TILLMAN SCORES!! HE SCORES FROM A FREE KICK IN BACK-TO-BACK GAMES!
Courtois had his wall set up but Tillman’s shot takes a wicked deflection off Vanaken, which leaves the Belgian goalkeeper competely wrong footed.
30′ USA 0-1 BEL
USA gets a free kick in a good shooting position after Balogun is fouled by Mechele.
29′ USA 0-1 BEL
USA finds breaks a long spell of Belgium possession with Weston McKennie drawing a foul from Raskin in USA’s half.
24′ USA 0-1 BEL
Now a chance for both teams to gather their breath as the referee blows his whistle for the Hydration Break.
22′ USA 0-1 BEL
Sloppy from Chris Richards who messes up a clearance by slamming it straight into De Ketelaere.Â
However, he will be thanking his stars as he gets another opportunity to boot the ball away after the Belgian forward is unable to bring it under control.
20′ USA 0-1 BEL | Substitution
Belgium: Onana is replaced by Vanaken.
19′ USA 0-1 BEL
And this is not good for Belgium, as it looks like Onana will not be able to continue. His teammates are seen consoling him on the bench.Â
17′ USA 0-1 BEL
Play is paused as Onana is on the floor with some sort of injury. He is receiving treatment on the pitch.Â
16′ USA 0-1 BEL
Rudi Garcia will be extremely happy with his team’s start and especially with two of his changes combining for the opening goal.
13′ USA 0-1 BEL
Belgium is not backing down as crosses are swung into the box, with Trossard among those who have a go at goal. The American defence is barely holding on at the moment.
11′ USA 0-1 BEL
Mauricio Pochettino is visibly unhappy with his team’s defending there as cameras show the Argentine in the USA dugout with a confused look on his face.
9′ USA 0-1 BEL | GOAALL!
DE KETELAERE SCORES!!
Belgium takes advantage of a poor clearance from USA, and Raskin collects the ball at the edge of the box before passing it into the middle.Â
De Ketelaere is at the right place at the right time and taps the ball into an empty goal to take the lead.
8′ USA 0-0 BEL
Lukebakio with a brilliant run past bodies in the opposition half before playing it through for Castagne, who made an overlapping run.
The right-back squares it into the middle, where Tielemans arrives. But, he should have done better as he scuffs his shot.
5′ USA 0-0 BEL
McKennie gets the ball on the right side and tries to curl it into the path of Balogum. But Courtois had anticipated the pass and comes way off his line to collect the ball.
3′ USA 0-0 BEL
Four changes in Belgium’s starting lineup today, with Ngoy, Onana, Raskin and Lukebakio coming in.
1′ USA 0-0 BEL
Belgium is piling on the pressure with De Cuyper’s long throw-in being cleared away and coming to Castagne, who launches the ball from outside the box.
Freese is called into action early, and he produces a good save to keep the scores level.
Lively start from the Europeans!
Kick off!
Belgium kicks off the match, shooting from right to left.Â
Spain awaits the victor in the quarterfinals.
No De Bruyne in the starting lineup for Belgium!
The last time the Napoli midfielder started on the bench for Belgium was in the 2021 UEFA Nations League clash against Italy.
Why is Kevin De Bruyne not playing for Belgium vs USA in FIFA World Cup 2026 RO 16 match?
Kevin De Bruyne starts on the bench for Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against the USA.
Match starts soon!
The players are making their way into the Seattle Stadium. Ream wears the captain’s armband for USA while Tielemans leads the Red Devils out.
Find out more about the referee for this game!
Who is the referee for USA vs Belgium FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match?
Find out who the referee is for the USA vs Belgium FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match, along with the full officiating team and VAR officials.
Head-to-head record
Played: 7
Belgium: 6
USA: 1
In World Cups
Played: 2
Belgium: 2
USA: 0
Folarin Balogun starts amidst all the controversy!
Florian Balogun starts for USA against Belgium in FIFA World Cup RO16 clash
Florian Balogun starts for the USA against Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash.
Belgium starting XI (4-2-3-1)
Courtois (gk), Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper, Raskin, Onana, Lukebakio, Tielemans, Trossard, De Ketelaere
Malik Tillman becomes second player to score two freekick goals in same FIFA World Cup since 1966
Malik Tillman joins Bernard Genghini as the second player to score two freekick goals in a single World Cup.
Half time!
Pulisic sends the ball into the box from the right corner, but it is Courtois who meets it in the air. And the referee uses that moment to end the first half.
Charles De Ketelaere’s brace is the point of difference at the moment.
45+4′ USA 1-2 BEL
Tillman plays a lovely through ball into the box for Balogun, who seemed in pole position to reach it. But, out comes Courtois and bravely clears the ball away from danger.
45+2′ USA 1-2 BEL
Dest gets the ball and tries to go on a run down the right side. But De Cuypers does well to track back and nick the ball away.
45′ USA 1-2 BEL
Tillman launches the ball in from a throw-in on the right, and Freeman heads it forward for Balogun, whose attempt from close range goes sailing into the stands behind the goal.
Six minutes of added time to play in the first half.
43′ USA 1-2 BEL
De Cuypers stands over the ball and sends a good-looking cross into the box. Lukebakio is completely unmarked and he should have done better with his header which goes well wide of the left post.
42′ USA 1-2 BEL
Belgium gets a free kick in the opposition half after Vanaken is sent to the floor by Richards.
39′ USA 1-2 BEL
Tielemans sends an outswinging corner from the right, which is directed towards the goal by Raksin. But Freese watches the ball closely and makes an easy save.
35′ USA 1-2 BEL
And the first booking of the game goes to Weston McKennie, who is punished for a late sliding challenge.
33′ USA 1-2 BEL | GOAALL!
DE KETELAERE SCORES AGAIN! THE LEAD IS RESTORED IN QUICK TIME!
Brilliant work from Trossard on the left wing as he collects the ball and takes his time before sending in a tempting cross into the middle.
De Ketelaere is once again there, and he towers over Ream to head the ball into the back of the net.
31′ USA 1-1 BEL | GOAALL!
TILLMAN SCORES!! HE SCORES FROM A FREE KICK IN BACK-TO-BACK GAMES!
Courtois had his wall set up but Tillman’s shot takes a wicked deflection off Vanaken, which leaves the Belgian goalkeeper competely wrong footed.
30′ USA 0-1 BEL
USA gets a free kick in a good shooting position after Balogun is fouled by Mechele.
29′ USA 0-1 BEL
USA finds breaks a long spell of Belgium possession with Weston McKennie drawing a foul from Raskin in USA’s half.
24′ USA 0-1 BEL
Now a chance for both teams to gather their breath as the referee blows his whistle for the Hydration Break.
22′ USA 0-1 BEL
Sloppy from Chris Richards who messes up a clearance by slamming it straight into De Ketelaere.Â
However, he will be thanking his stars as he gets another opportunity to boot the ball away after the Belgian forward is unable to bring it under control.
20′ USA 0-1 BEL | Substitution
Belgium: Onana is replaced by Vanaken.
19′ USA 0-1 BEL
And this is not good for Belgium, as it looks like Onana will not be able to continue. His teammates are seen consoling him on the bench.Â
17′ USA 0-1 BEL
Play is paused as Onana is on the floor with some sort of injury. He is receiving treatment on the pitch.Â
16′ USA 0-1 BEL
Rudi Garcia will be extremely happy with his team’s start and especially with two of his changes combining for the opening goal.
13′ USA 0-1 BEL
Belgium is not backing down as crosses are swung into the box, with Trossard among those who have a go at goal. The American defence is barely holding on at the moment.
11′ USA 0-1 BEL
Mauricio Pochettino is visibly unhappy with his team’s defending there as cameras show the Argentine in the USA dugout with a confused look on his face.
9′ USA 0-1 BEL | GOAALL!
DE KETELAERE SCORES!!
Belgium takes advantage of a poor clearance from USA, and Raskin collects the ball at the edge of the box before passing it into the middle.Â
De Ketelaere is at the right place at the right time and taps the ball into an empty goal to take the lead.
8′ USA 0-0 BEL
Lukebakio with a brilliant run past bodies in the opposition half before playing it through for Castagne, who made an overlapping run.
The right-back squares it into the middle, where Tielemans arrives. But, he should have done better as he scuffs his shot.
5′ USA 0-0 BEL
McKennie gets the ball on the right side and tries to curl it into the path of Balogum. But Courtois had anticipated the pass and comes way off his line to collect the ball.
3′ USA 0-0 BEL
Four changes in Belgium’s starting lineup today, with Ngoy, Onana, Raskin and Lukebakio coming in.
1′ USA 0-0 BEL
Belgium is piling on the pressure with De Cuyper’s long throw-in being cleared away and coming to Castagne, who launches the ball from outside the box.
Freese is called into action early, and he produces a good save to keep the scores level.
Lively start from the Europeans!
Kick off!
Belgium kicks off the match, shooting from right to left.Â
Spain awaits the victor in the quarterfinals.
No De Bruyne in the starting lineup for Belgium!
The last time the Napoli midfielder started on the bench for Belgium was in the 2021 UEFA Nations League clash against Italy.
Why is Kevin De Bruyne not playing for Belgium vs USA in FIFA World Cup 2026 RO 16 match?
Kevin De Bruyne starts on the bench for Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against the USA.
Match starts soon!
The players are making their way into the Seattle Stadium. Ream wears the captain’s armband for USA while Tielemans leads the Red Devils out.
Find out more about the referee for this game!
Who is the referee for USA vs Belgium FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match?
Find out who the referee is for the USA vs Belgium FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match, along with the full officiating team and VAR officials.
Head-to-head record
Played: 7
Belgium: 6
USA: 1
In World Cups
Played: 2
Belgium: 2
USA: 0
Folarin Balogun starts amidst all the controversy!
Florian Balogun starts for USA against Belgium in FIFA World Cup RO16 clash
Florian Balogun starts for the USA against Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash.
Belgium starting XI (4-2-3-1)
Courtois (gk), Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper, Raskin, Onana, Lukebakio, Tielemans, Trossard, De Ketelaere
Welcome to Sportstar’s live blog of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium being played at the Seattle Stadium.
Published on Jul 07, 2026
#USA #Belgium #LIVE #score #FIFA #World #Cup #USA #BEL #Vanaken #takes #advantage #goalkeeper #error #updates">USA vs Belgium LIVE score, FIFA World Cup 2026: USA 1-3 BEL; Vanaken takes advantage of goalkeeper error; Round of 16 updates
USA vs BEL LIVE: Catch the real-time updates from the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium being played at the Seattle Stadium.
Updated : Jul 07, 2026 06:59 IST
Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere celebrates with teammates after scoring his side’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against USA.
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS
Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere celebrates with teammates after scoring his side’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against USA.
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS
Welcome to Sportstar’s live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium being played at the Seattle Stadium.
MATCH OVERVIEW
Belgium starting XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois (gk), Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper, Raskin, Onana, Lukebakio, Tielemans, Trossard, De Ketelaere
USA starting XI (4-3-3): Freese (gk), Freeman, Richards, Ream, Robinson, McKennie, Adams, Tillman, Dest, Balogun, Pulisic
Venue: Seattle Stadium
ACTION FROM THE FIRST HALF
9’- Belgium took advantage of a poor clearance from USA, and Nicolas Raskin collected the ball at the edge of the box before passing it into the middle. Charles De Ketelaere was at the right place at the right time and tapped the ball into an empty goal to take the lead.
31’ – Malik Tillman scores from a free kick in back-to-back games. Thibaut Courtois had his wall set up, but Tillman’s shot took a wicked deflection off Hans Vanaken, which left the Belgian goalkeeper competely wrong footed.
33’ – De Ketelaere restored the lead in quick time. It was brilliant work from Leandro Trossard on the left wing as he collected the ball and took his time before sending in a tempting cross into the middle. De Ketelaere was once again there, and he towered over Tim Ream to head the ball into the back of the net.
62′ USA 1-3 BEL
Trossard is looking to get in on the action as he gets into the box from the left before attempting a shot. But the attempt is blocked by Adams, sending the ball out for a corner.
59′ USA 1-3 BEL | Substitution
USA: Pulisic is replaced by Berhalter.
57′ USA 1-3 BEL | GOAALL!
VANAKEN SCORES! HORRIBLE MISTAKE FROM THE USA GOALKEEPER!!
A ball is played over the top to Ketelaere, but it goes well past him and comes to Freese, who came way off his line. He takes a touch and makes a mess of a standard clearance, instead choosing to pass it sideways.
However, Ketelaere was alert and stuck out a leg, which sent the ball to Vanaken, who found the bottom right corner of an open goal from way out.
Belgium gets a two-goal lead and now a mountain to climb for the last remaining host.
54′ USA 1-2 BEL
Adams plays a lovely ball over the top for Freeman, who ran into the right side of the box. But he should have done better, as his first touch let him down, allowing the ball to roll out for a goal kick.
52′ USA 1-2 BEL
Pulisic goes down on the edge of the Belgian box after a challenge from Tielemans, but the referee waves away any shouts for a foul.
50′ USA 1-2 BEL
De Ketelaere gets the ball in the middle of the pitch and tries to find Trossard’s run into the box. But Freese is alert and comes off his line to collect the ball ahead of the Arsenal forward.
47′ USA 1-2 BEL
Seems like Reya has slotted into the midfield with the duo of Pulisic and Balogun forming the forward line.
Second half begins!
USA kicks off the second half, shooting from right to left.
USA: Dest is replaced by Gio Reyna.
A historic strike from Malik Tillman!
Malik Tillman becomes second player to score two freekick goals in same FIFA World Cup since 1966
Malik Tillman joins Bernard Genghini as the second player to score two freekick goals in a single World Cup.
Half time!
Pulisic sends the ball into the box from the right corner, but it is Courtois who meets it in the air. And the referee uses that moment to end the first half.
Charles De Ketelaere’s brace is the point of difference at the moment.
45+4′ USA 1-2 BEL
Tillman plays a lovely through ball into the box for Balogun, who seemed in pole position to reach it. But, out comes Courtois and bravely clears the ball away from danger.
45+2′ USA 1-2 BEL
Dest gets the ball and tries to go on a run down the right side. But De Cuypers does well to track back and nick the ball away.
45′ USA 1-2 BEL
Tillman launches the ball in from a throw-in on the right, and Freeman heads it forward for Balogun, whose attempt from close range goes sailing into the stands behind the goal.
Six minutes of added time to play in the first half.
43′ USA 1-2 BEL
De Cuypers stands over the ball and sends a good-looking cross into the box. Lukebakio is completely unmarked and he should have done better with his header which goes well wide of the left post.
42′ USA 1-2 BEL
Belgium gets a free kick in the opposition half after Vanaken is sent to the floor by Richards.
39′ USA 1-2 BEL
Tielemans sends an outswinging corner from the right, which is directed towards the goal by Raksin. But Freese watches the ball closely and makes an easy save.
35′ USA 1-2 BEL
And the first booking of the game goes to Weston McKennie, who is punished for a late sliding challenge.
33′ USA 1-2 BEL | GOAALL!
DE KETELAERE SCORES AGAIN! THE LEAD IS RESTORED IN QUICK TIME!
Brilliant work from Trossard on the left wing as he collects the ball and takes his time before sending in a tempting cross into the middle.
De Ketelaere is once again there, and he towers over Ream to head the ball into the back of the net.
31′ USA 1-1 BEL | GOAALL!
TILLMAN SCORES!! HE SCORES FROM A FREE KICK IN BACK-TO-BACK GAMES!
Courtois had his wall set up but Tillman’s shot takes a wicked deflection off Vanaken, which leaves the Belgian goalkeeper competely wrong footed.
30′ USA 0-1 BEL
USA gets a free kick in a good shooting position after Balogun is fouled by Mechele.
29′ USA 0-1 BEL
USA finds breaks a long spell of Belgium possession with Weston McKennie drawing a foul from Raskin in USA’s half.
24′ USA 0-1 BEL
Now a chance for both teams to gather their breath as the referee blows his whistle for the Hydration Break.
22′ USA 0-1 BEL
Sloppy from Chris Richards who messes up a clearance by slamming it straight into De Ketelaere.Â
However, he will be thanking his stars as he gets another opportunity to boot the ball away after the Belgian forward is unable to bring it under control.
20′ USA 0-1 BEL | Substitution
Belgium: Onana is replaced by Vanaken.
19′ USA 0-1 BEL
And this is not good for Belgium, as it looks like Onana will not be able to continue. His teammates are seen consoling him on the bench.Â
17′ USA 0-1 BEL
Play is paused as Onana is on the floor with some sort of injury. He is receiving treatment on the pitch.Â
16′ USA 0-1 BEL
Rudi Garcia will be extremely happy with his team’s start and especially with two of his changes combining for the opening goal.
13′ USA 0-1 BEL
Belgium is not backing down as crosses are swung into the box, with Trossard among those who have a go at goal. The American defence is barely holding on at the moment.
11′ USA 0-1 BEL
Mauricio Pochettino is visibly unhappy with his team’s defending there as cameras show the Argentine in the USA dugout with a confused look on his face.
9′ USA 0-1 BEL | GOAALL!
DE KETELAERE SCORES!!
Belgium takes advantage of a poor clearance from USA, and Raskin collects the ball at the edge of the box before passing it into the middle.Â
De Ketelaere is at the right place at the right time and taps the ball into an empty goal to take the lead.
8′ USA 0-0 BEL
Lukebakio with a brilliant run past bodies in the opposition half before playing it through for Castagne, who made an overlapping run.
The right-back squares it into the middle, where Tielemans arrives. But, he should have done better as he scuffs his shot.
5′ USA 0-0 BEL
McKennie gets the ball on the right side and tries to curl it into the path of Balogum. But Courtois had anticipated the pass and comes way off his line to collect the ball.
3′ USA 0-0 BEL
Four changes in Belgium’s starting lineup today, with Ngoy, Onana, Raskin and Lukebakio coming in.
1′ USA 0-0 BEL
Belgium is piling on the pressure with De Cuyper’s long throw-in being cleared away and coming to Castagne, who launches the ball from outside the box.
Freese is called into action early, and he produces a good save to keep the scores level.
Lively start from the Europeans!
Kick off!
Belgium kicks off the match, shooting from right to left.Â
Spain awaits the victor in the quarterfinals.
No De Bruyne in the starting lineup for Belgium!
The last time the Napoli midfielder started on the bench for Belgium was in the 2021 UEFA Nations League clash against Italy.
Why is Kevin De Bruyne not playing for Belgium vs USA in FIFA World Cup 2026 RO 16 match?
Kevin De Bruyne starts on the bench for Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against the USA.
Match starts soon!
The players are making their way into the Seattle Stadium. Ream wears the captain’s armband for USA while Tielemans leads the Red Devils out.
Find out more about the referee for this game!
Who is the referee for USA vs Belgium FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match?
Find out who the referee is for the USA vs Belgium FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match, along with the full officiating team and VAR officials.
Head-to-head record
Played: 7
Belgium: 6
USA: 1
In World Cups
Played: 2
Belgium: 2
USA: 0
Folarin Balogun starts amidst all the controversy!
Florian Balogun starts for USA against Belgium in FIFA World Cup RO16 clash
Florian Balogun starts for the USA against Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash.
Belgium starting XI (4-2-3-1)
Courtois (gk), Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper, Raskin, Onana, Lukebakio, Tielemans, Trossard, De Ketelaere
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