FIFA World Cup 2026: Balogun starts for US; de Bruyne, Lukaku on bench for Belgium
Seattle, July 7
US striker Flo Balogun has been included in the starting line-up for the clash against Belgium after his red card given against Bosnia and Herzegovina was suspended, while Belgium starts with their star players Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Jeremy Doku on the bench.
US takes on Belgium in their round of 16 FIFA World Cup clash at Seattle on Monday, with Balogun's controversial inclusion in the line-up and the reversal of his red card by FIFA being a major talking point.
On the other hand, Belgium, the third-place finishers in 2018, will continue their fight for their maiden World Cup title.
Balogun, as per Reuters, leads the US attack line-up with Christian Pulisic. With three goals, Balogun has been the top scorer for the USA in this World Cup.
U.S.: Matt Freese, Sergino Dest, Chris Richards, Tyler Adams, Antonee Robinson, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Tim Ream, Alex Freeman, Malik Tillman, Folarin Balogun.
Belgium: Thibaut Courtois, Brandon Mechele, Maxim De Cuyper, Youri Tielemans, Leandro Trossard, Charles De Ketelaere, Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy, Nicolas Raskin, Amadou Onana, Dodi Lukebakio.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian football fan, I love seeing underdog stories like the US team making noise. But Belgium's bench is scary deep—De Bruyne and Lukaku off the bench? That's a nightmare for any defense. Should be an exciting match!
FIFA overturning the red card sets a strange precedent. Balogun should be banned if he deserved it, not let off because the US needs him. That said, I'm excited to see Pulisic and Balogun link up—they've been electric this tournament.
Ah, the classic "rest your stars" strategy from Belgium. They're probably thinking long-term, but the US could punish them early. I'm rooting for the underdogs here—would love to see India play in a World Cup like this one day! 🙏⚽
Critics might say the US got lucky with the red card reversal, but Balogun has been immense this World Cup. Belgium's lineup is still strong even without their superstars—Trossard and Tielemans are no joke. Should be a tight game!
FIFA being inconsistent again—one rule for big teams, another for smaller ones. But let's be honest, the US needed Balogun. Belgium's bench is like a separate world-class XI. De Bruyne coming on in the second half? That's game-changing. Indian cricket should take notes on depth! 😄
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