A vibrant and supportive crowd is anticipated in Seattle for the United States’ knockout stage clash against Belgium on Monday. However, the Belgian team is not intimidated by the energetic atmosphere that awaits them.
Left-back Maxim De Cuyper emphasized the need for confidence, stating, “I think we just have to … show balls on the pitch,”
The American side has consistently received enthusiastic backing from home fans throughout the tournament, notably in Seattle, where nearly 67,000 spectators witnessed the US defeat Australia during their second group match.
Assessing the Atmosphere
Full-back Timothy Castagne commented on the potential impact of the crowd, noting, “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.”
This encounter will not mark the first time the teams have faced off in 2026. In March, Belgium triumphed over the US with a score of 5-2 in Atlanta, a result that raised concerns about the Americans’ chances at this World Cup.
“As soon as it turns a little less good for them, [the crowd] can also turn against them, and they will have more pressure,” said Dodi Lukébakio, who netted two goals during the previous match.
Learning from Past Encounters
De Cuyper cautioned against overinterpreting Belgium’s earlier success, claiming the scoreline presented a “So, I don’t have a problem, it doesn’t bother me. We play and we don’t hear what’s going on around the pitch. When we’re on the pitch, we’re a bit in our bubble.” He praised the performance of goalkeeper Senne Lammens in that game, asserting that the outcome could have been different without him.
“They have been growing a lot since the last friendly game,” De Cuyper noted. “It was already being said back then that we might face the US at the World Cup,”
The US will be missing striker Folarin Balogun due to a suspension following a controversial red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun has been one of the United States’ most formidable players throughout the tournament, but De Cuyper was reserved when asked how his team plans to adjust to the changes in the US lineup.
“Of course, many players weren’t there at the time. But it is an advantage that we have already seen them. We are taking things away from it. Although it remains to be seen how they present themselves.” he remarked. “I don’t want to say too much, which qualities are the best,”
Strategic Adjustments Needed
Veteran midfielder Axel Witsel candidly stated that Belgium must “They have a lot of danger in the team.”
