Belgium – Klinsmann Names Red Devils Slight Favourites Against USA
Belgium – Former United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann believes Belgium will enter Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 contest against the USA with a narrow advantage. Klinsmann, who is serving on FIFA’s Technical Study Group during the tournament, pointed to Belgium’s recent form, experience and squad quality while assessing the high-profile meeting at Seattle Stadium.
Belgium’s Strong Run Under Rudi Garcia
Belgium have built an impressive unbeaten record since losing 3-1 to Ukraine on March 20, 2025, in the UEFA Nations League promotion and relegation play-offs. That match was also Rudi Garcia’s first game as Belgium head coach.
Since then, the Red Devils have avoided defeat in 17 matches across World Cup fixtures, UEFA World Cup qualifiers, Nations League play-offs and friendlies. Their run includes 11 victories and six draws, with the team recording a goal difference of plus 40 during that period.
Klinsmann said Belgium’s quality and past record make them slight favourites, especially after their convincing 5-2 friendly win over the United States in March.
“I would slightly put Belgium as a favourite because of their history and the quality of the team,” Klinsmann told FIFA. “They also had a friendly in March where they looked really strong against the US, winning 5-2.”
USA Seek to End Long Losing Streak
The United States and Belgium have met seven times in international football. The Americans won the first meeting 3-0 at the inaugural FIFA World Cup in Montevideo, Uruguay, almost a century ago.
That victory remains one of the largest winning margins achieved by the United States at a World Cup. The mark was matched earlier in the current tournament when the USMNT defeated Paraguay by three goals in their opening match.
However, Belgium have won each of the six meetings that followed. Their most recent competitive encounter came in the Round of 16 at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where Belgium won after extra time. The match is remembered for goalkeeper Tim Howard’s remarkable display, as he made a World Cup record 16 saves in a single game.
Belgium also defeated the United States in Atlanta earlier this year during a pre-tournament friendly.
Home Support Could Lift United States
Despite backing Belgium slightly, Klinsmann said the host nation has shown significant growth and confidence during the tournament. He believes the United States can challenge the European side if it reaches the standard displayed in the first half of its opening match against Paraguay.
“The US team has matured and has an incredible amount of confidence now,” Klinsmann said. “They have belief through being the home team and being on a good run. If they get close to that level of play, they are capable of beating Belgium.”
The United States reached the Round of 16 after finishing first in Group D. The team then secured a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 to continue its progress in the competition.
Belgium Survive Dramatic Knockout Test
Belgium topped Group G after ending the group stage with a 5-1 victory over New Zealand. Earlier draws against Egypt and Iran had left their qualification hopes in the balance before the final group match.
Their first knockout game produced another demanding test at Seattle Stadium. Belgium fell 2-0 behind Senegal late in normal time but scored twice to force extra time. They then completed a 3-2 comeback victory to book their place in the Round of 16.
The upcoming match will test Belgium’s unbeaten momentum against a United States side aiming to make home advantage count in front of its supporters.