Belgium prepares for last-16 clash against US in Seattle
The Guardian Sport • 2 min read • Latest: Jul 4, 2026, 11:57 PM
Last updated Jul 4, 2026
Belgium faces the United States in a last-16 match on Monday in Seattle amid a pro-US crowd. Belgian players, including Maxim De Cuyper, express confidence, stating they will need to play their game despite the overwhelming support for their opponents. Full-back Timothy Castagne mentioned that crowd pressure could shift if the US struggles. Belgium previously defeated the US 5-2 in a friendly match in March, although De Cuyper cautioned against overconfidence from that result.
- •Match is scheduled for Monday in Seattle.
- •Belgium players emphasize the need for confidence against US supporters.
- •Timothy Castagne notes crowd support may shift under pressure.
- •Previous friendly in March saw Belgium win 5-2 against the US.
- •Folarin Balogun is suspended for the US.
- 11:57 PMThe Guardian Sport — Belgium players say they will need ‘balls’ to nullify home crowd against US
- 11:57 PMYahoo Sports — Belgium players say they will need ‘balls’ to nullify home crowd against US
"Belgium play Americans in the last-16 on Monday US have enjoyed strong support at home at the World Cup A raucous, pro-US crowd is expected in Seattle for the Americans’ last-16 match against Belgium on Monday, but the Red Devils say that they don’t fear the atmosphere that will await them. “I think we just have to … show balls on the pitch,” left-back Maxim De Cuyper said on Friday. “Try to play your own game. If you play against 80,000 supporters or with 80,000, you have to try to do the same.” Continue reading...
"A raucous, pro-US crowd is expected in Seattle for the Americans’ last-16 match against Belgium on Monday, but the Red Devils say that they don’t fear the atmosphere that will await them. “I think we just have to … show balls on the pitch,” left-back Maxim De Cuyper said on Friday. The Americans have enjoyed strong support from home crowds throughout the tournament, including in Seattle, where just under 67,000 watched the US defeat Australia in their second group game.
Sources
External links- The Guardian SportJul 4, 2026, 11:57 PMBelgium players say they will need ‘balls’ to nullify home crowd against US
Belgium play Americans in the last-16 on Monday US have enjoyed strong support at home at the World Cup A raucous, pro-US crowd is expected in Seattle for the Americans’ last-16 match against Belgium on Monday, but the Red Devils say that they don’t fear the atmosphere that will await them. “I think we just have to … show balls on the pitch,” left-back Maxim De Cuyper said on Friday. “Try to play your own game. If you play against 80,000 supporters or with 80,000, you have to try to do the same.” Continue reading...
- Yahoo SportsJul 4, 2026, 11:57 PMBelgium players say they will need ‘balls’ to nullify home crowd against US
A raucous, pro-US crowd is expected in Seattle for the Americans’ last-16 match against Belgium on Monday, but the Red Devils say that they don’t fear the atmosphere that will await them. “I think we just have to … show balls on the pitch,” left-back Maxim De Cuyper said on Friday. The Americans have enjoyed strong support from home crowds throughout the tournament, including in Seattle, where just under 67,000 watched the US defeat Australia in their second group game.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- NWSL•Jul 5, 2026, 3:19 AMSanchez scores twice and the Courage top the Reign 3-1 in the NWSL
Soccer•Jul 5, 2026, 3:18 AMFrance survive Paraguay's physicality and antics at World Cup, but Morocco will pose a different threat
Soccer•Jul 5, 2026, 2:51 AM‘Here to write our own chapters’: England not daunted by unique occasion of Mexico game, says Tuchel- Soccer•Jul 5, 2026, 2:51 AMAngel City reports no serious injuries after fireworks show launches projectiles into stands
- Soccer•Jul 5, 2026, 2:46 AMEngland returns to Estadio Azteca but isn't seeking revenge over Maradona in 1986
Soccer•Jul 5, 2026, 2:42 AMUSA Seek First Belgium Win in 96 Years
