World Cup Showdown: USMNT Faces Belgium with Balogun Back in the Lineup

The United States Men’s National Team stands on the brink of history, eyeing a quarterfinal spot for the first time since 2002. They face Belgium in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 on Monday in Seattle, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. ET. A 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 set the stage, but a major subplot emerged when star striker Folarin Balogun saw a red card overturned by FIFA, restoring his eligibility for this crucial clash.

Balogun’s return is a massive lift for the Americans. Listed at +165 as an anytime goal scorer, he joins captain Christian Pulisic, who played 88 minutes against Bosnia after recovering from a calf injury. The attacking quartet of Pulisic, Balogun, Weston McKennie, and Malik Tillman could overwhelm a Belgian defense that struggled to contain them in earlier meetings. The USMNT are -122 favorites to advance, reflecting confidence in their depth and form.

Belgium counters with proven firepower in Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, who torched the US for five goals in a friendly earlier this year. This history fuels expectations for a high-scoring affair, with the over/under set at 2.5 goals and the over priced at -152. SportsLine analyst Martin Green, riding an 18-7 streak on World Cup picks, leans toward over 2.5, citing both teams’ offensive threats and defensive vulnerabilities.

Green has identified a critical x-factor and locked in two best bets for this matchup, available exclusively at SportsLine. The 90-minute money line lists USA at +150, Belgium at +180, and a draw at +230, while the total goals line sits at 2.5. With Balogun back and both sides eager to advance, this Round of 16 showdown promises drama and goals. Follow Green’s picks to navigate the betting landscape with confidence.