USMNT player ratings vs. Belgium: Live grades for USA in 2026 World Cup knockout game originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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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 (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
Made a truly outrageous diving one-handed save in the very first minute of the match, maybe the biggest save of his career.
MATT FREESE IS ICE COLD RIGHT FROM THE START 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/SJbkNEtysr
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 7, 2026
This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the match progresses.
RB — Alex Freeman: Grade pending
With the weight of the nation on his shoulders in this game, he did not have a good start. On the Belgium goal, he blocked the initial cross, but then cleared the loss ball with his head straight to the top of the penalty area where Belgium could attack. He had all day to direct that header, but put it right into the worst possible spot.
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
Completely lost his man Charles De Ketelaere on the opening Belgium goal, as the Red Devil striker got free for a close-range tap-in. Far too lazy on a move that never should have been able to finish through traffic.
Indecisive on the ball, panicking and giving it away when pressured.
This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the match progresses.
CM — Malik Tillman: Grade pending
Totally invisible through the early spell of the match, with just three measly touches in the opening 16 minutes as the U.S. midfield was completely overrun through the beginning of the game.
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
Completely switched off on the opening Belgium goal, as he failed to Nicolas Raskin who fed the ball to Charles De Ketelaere in front of goal. Just stood there and watched it happen.
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.
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