Former US soccer player previews US vs. Belgium game
Former USMNT defender Jonathan Bornstein previews the national team’s FIFA World Cup match against Belgium. Bornstein claims this current generation is the most talented USMNT team ever, with players from top European clubs. He explains how the team’s exciting run is accelerating soccer’s growth and popularity across America, inspiring young fans.
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Momentum is in full gear for Team USA following their Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
And what was initially a bittersweet end in the San Francisco Bay Area due to forward Folarin Balogun’s red card has since changed thanks to FIFA’s announcement that the USMNT star will be eligible to play in the Round of 16 against Belgium on Monday night.
Balogun’s controversial red card, which came in the 64th minute of the 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, changed the course of the USMNT’s hopes of making a World Cup final. After all, Balogun has been the perfect striker for this team since the start of the tournament and secured his third World Cup goal in the round of 16.
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American forward Folarin Balogun’s controversial red card was one of the biggest moments in the team’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images))
FIFA RULES FINAL ON US SOCCER STAR Folarin BALOGUN’S CONTROVERSIAL RED CARD SUSPENSION
But Balogun will now be available for the US in a stunning turnaround after the uproar over his red card.
The Athletic, which first reported Balogun’s playing status on Sunday, noted that part of FIFA’s disciplinary code is “the judicial body may decide to suspend in whole or in part the implementation of a disciplinary measure.”
“If the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another offense of similar nature and gravity during the period of probation, the suspension shall be revoked by the judicial authority and the sanction shall be carried out without prejudice to any further sanction imposed for the new offence,” the rule added.
FOX Sports also confirmed that Balogun would be able to play. The report noted that the play should not have been flagged for referee Raphael Claus, who ultimately gave Balogun the red card after a VAR review.
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In turn, head coach Mauricio Pochettino will be able to run with his regular starting XI rather than having to figure out what to do with Balogun.
Auston Trusty celebrates with teammates after scoring the USA’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match against Türkiye at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California on June 25, 2026. (Jared C. Tilton/FIFA via Getty Images)
On the other hand, Belgium were 10 minutes plus stoppage time away from a shocker against Senegal in the round of 16. Senegal held a 2-0 lead late in the second half, but Belgium were able to force extra time with some clutch goals from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans.
BELGIUM COMPLETE STUNNING COMEBACK TO WORLD CUP AGAINST SENEGAL TO SET UP POTENTIAL EXHIBITION WITH USA
In extra-time, just before a penalty shoot-out appeared to be the only way to resolve the deadlock, Senegal were fouled in their own half and Tielemans was awarded a penalty to decide the game. The veteran did not waste the opportunity and Belgium kept their World Cup alive.
Now both of these teams meet in Seattle, which was an electric atmosphere for the USMNT’s win over Australia in the group stage. It’s expected to be even more heated as the USA aims to do what only one team in its history has done before – reach the quarterfinals.
How to watch the game, including kick-off time, TV information and streaming options.
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USMNT fans across the country brought the patriotism to the team’s World Cup opener. (Photo by Jose Hernandez/Anadolu via Getty Images)
How to watch USA vs Belgium
When: Monday 6 July at 20 A.M
Where : Seattle Stadium, Seattle, Washington
TV: FOX
Current: Watch on FOX One and FOX Sports
