USMNT player ratings vs. Belgium: Live grades for USA in 2026 World Cup knockout game

The United States wants to dream big at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but to do so, it must prove it can beat those ranked above them in the global pecking order as they meet Belgium in the Round of 16.

The USMNT has only ever reached the quarterfinals of a modern World Cup once, back in 2002 when they defeated Mexico before losing to Germany. In Seattle tonight, they could potentially secure their biggest-ever World Cup result, but the task is tall as well.

Belgium, ranked 9th in the world by FIFA, possesses world-class talent such as Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Jeremy Doku. The former two are veterans of the international game and were both on the scoresheet 12 years ago in Brazil when Belgium broke American hearts as they won 2-1 in extra time of this very World Cup stage.

The Americans will controversially have Folarin Balogun available to play in the match despite having been sent off in the Round of 32 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Sporting News brings you a full list of player ratings for the match, analyzing the USMNT's individual performances from the opening kickoff to the final whistle.

LIVE: Follow the USA vs. Belgium match with minute-by-minute updates

USA vs. Belgium score

Location: Lumen Field (Seattle, WA)
Referee: Adham Makhadmeh (JOR)

USA starting lineup:

USA (4-2-3-1, right to left): 24. Freese (GK) — 16. Freeman, 3. Richards, 13. Ream, 5. A. Robinson — 4. Adams, 7. Tillman — 2. Dest, 8. McKennie, 10. Pulisic — 20. Balogun

USA substitutes: Turner (GK), Brady (GK), Arfsten, M. Robinson, Trusty, Berhalter, Reyna, Aaronson, Zendejas, Weah, Wright, Pepi.

MORE: Why Folarin Balogun's red card was suspended | FIFA has made a royal mess of the Balogun saga

USMNT live player ratings vs. Belgium

All ratings are on a 10-point scale.

Starters

GK — Matt Freese: Grade pending

This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the match progresses.

RB — Alex Freeman: Grade pending

This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the match progresses.

RCB — Chris Richards: Grade pending

This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the match progresses.

LCB — Tim Ream: Grade pending

This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the match progresses.

MORE: What does success look like for the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup?

LB — Antonee Robinson: Grade pending

This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the match progresses.

CM — Malik Tillman: Grade pending

This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the match progresses.

CM — Tyler Adams: Grade pending

This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the match progresses.

RW — Sergino Dest: Grade pending

This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the match progresses.

ACM — Weston McKennie: Grade pending

This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the match progresses.

MORE: A thin midfield leaves USMNT dangerously exposed in 2026 World Cup journey

LW — Christian Pulisic: Grade pending

This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the match progresses.

FWD — Folarin Balogun: Grade pending

This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the match progresses.

USMNT substitutes vs. Belgium

This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the game progresses and substitutes enter the match off the bench.

USMNT coach vs. Belgium

Mauricio Pochettino: Grade pending

This section will be updated when the match is concluded with analysis and commentary of the USA coach's performance in the match.