Belgium Players Ready for US World Cup Atmosphere: “Need Balls to Nullify Home Crowd

Belgium’s players are preparing for a significant test of their mental strength as they gear up to face the United States in the World Cup last-16 on Monday, with a large and vocal pro-US crowd expected in Seattle. The Red Devils acknowledge the challenge posed by the home support and emphasize the need for composure and a strong performance on the pitch.

Facing the Atmosphere

Left-back Maxim De Cuyper directly addressed the expected atmosphere, stating, “I think we just have to… show balls on the pitch. 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 sentiment highlights a focus on maintaining their tactical approach regardless of external noise.

The Americans have consistently benefited from strong home support throughout the tournament. In Seattle specifically, nearly 67,000 fans witnessed the US defeat Australia in a group stage match, underscoring the potential impact of the crowd.

Full-back Timothy Castagne, however, expressed a sense of indifference to the partisan crowd. “As soon as it turns a little less good for them, [the crowd] can also turn against them, and they will have more pressure,” he commented. “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.” This suggests a team strategy focused on blocking out distractions and concentrating on their own game.

Previous Encounter and Tactical Considerations

This last-16 tie will not be the first meeting between Belgium and the United States in 2026. Belgium secured a convincing 5-2 victory over the US in a friendly match in March, a result that initially raised doubts about the Americans’ World Cup prospects. Dodi Lukébakio, who scored twice in that game, noted the US team’s growth since their last encounter.

However, De Cuyper cautioned against drawing definitive conclusions from the friendly, describing the scoreline as giving a “distorted picture.” He also credited goalkeeper Senne Lammens for a strong performance in that match, suggesting the outcome could have been different without him. “It was already being said back then that we might face the US at the World Cup,” De Cuyper added. “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.”

Veteran midfielder Axel Witsel highlighted a key tactical adjustment Belgium will need to make: “We will absolutely have to adapt to the fact that they play three at the back. I think we have the weapons to hurt them.” He acknowledged that while they had success against this setup in the friendly, the World Cup context and the stadium environment will present a different challenge.

Absence of Balogun

The United States will be without striker Folarin Balogun, who is suspended after receiving a red card in their previous match. Balogun has been a significant attacking threat for the US. When asked about adapting to the US lineup without their key striker, De Cuyper remained circumspect, stating, “I don’t want to say too much, which qualities are the best. They have a lot of danger in the team.”

Key facts
| Team | Opponent | Stage | Location |
|———|———-|————-|———-|
| Belgium | USA | Last-16 | Seattle |
| Date | Time | | |
| Monday | TBC | World Cup 26| |

The clash in Seattle is significant not only for its World Cup stage but also for the atmosphere Belgium must overcome. The Red Devils’ focus on mental resilience and tactical discipline, as expressed by players like De Cuyper and Castagne, will be crucial in their bid to advance against a US side buoyed by home support. The team’s ability to impose their game plan despite the crowd pressure will be a defining factor.

Source: The Guardian Football – https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/04/belgium-united-states-world-cup-environment

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