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US Faces Belgium Without Balogun, Pepi Starts

7/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The United States will meet Belgium in the round of 16 on Monday in Seattle without striker Folarin Balogun, who is suspended after a red card.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino said the team will respect Belgium and try to win.
Ricardo Pepi, who scored 19 goals for PSV Eindhoven, is the odds-on starter.
Pochettino may switch to a 3-5-2 formation, using wing-backs Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest.

History

Historical Context

After debuting in 1930 and reaching the semifinals, the U.S. returned to the World Cup in 1990 and, in the 1998 France tournament, lost 2-0 to Germany in Group F, ending its run before the knockout stage. The defeat followed a long absence since 1950 and precedes the team’s upcoming co-hosting of the 2026 World Cup, underscoring its gradual rise within CONCACAF.

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Story summary

The United States will meet Belgium in the round of 16 on Monday in Seattle without striker Folarin Balogun, who is suspended after a red card.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino said the team will respect Belgium and try to win.
Ricardo Pepi, who scored 19 goals for PSV Eindhoven, is the odds-on starter.
Pochettino may switch to a 3-5-2 formation, using wing-backs Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest.

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