The United States and Belgium face off on Monday for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals. Both teams enter the match with distinct tactical challenges, notably the US missing their main goal threat Folarin Balogun due to suspension.
Belgium's World Cup Journey and Tactical Setup
Belgium won Group G, edging Egypt on goal difference and finishing one point ahead of eliminated Iran. In the last 32, they trailed Senegal 2-0 in the 82nd minute before forcing extra time and winning on a controversially awarded penalty, the latest goal in World Cup history. Through four games, Belgium have retained 57% possession with a 65% field tilt, but have struggled to maximize that advantage.
Manager Rudi Garcia appears uncertain how to best use Romelu Lukaku after a lost year with Napoli. Much of Belgium's possession is spent in midfield before the ball is sprayed wide to Jérémy Doku and Leandro Trossard, who try to cut inside for shots. Belgium have won the possession battle in all four games, with Senegal playing them closest (52-48 split).
Belgium's Defensive Vulnerabilities
Belgium's defense benefits from ample possession, as it keeps opponents from sizing up their backline. However, they can be vulnerable down the flanks when opponents regain possession. Center-backs Brandon Mechele and Arthur Theate defend passively, preferring to stay back rather than roam to win the ball. Iran's Mehdi Taremi exploited their flat-footedness with nimble feints and incisive movement.
Youri Tielemans bears a high burden in advancing possession toward Kevin De Bruyne, leaving the backline with minimal shielding. Belgium rank in the bottom half of the 48-team field with three high-regains per game. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois serves as a safety valve, but weaknesses remain that the US can exploit. Senegal nearly beat Belgium by using width, quickly getting the ball to wingers and creating overloads with full-backs joining the attack.
US Without Folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun's red card and one-game suspension means the US will be missing their main goal threat against Belgium. Conventional wisdom suggests Pochettino will replace him with another striker, but after deploying a second striker against Australia instead of a like-for-like replacement for Christian Pulisic, wildcard scenarios must be considered.
Gio Reyna could play as a false nine, pulling Belgium's center-backs upfield with savvy movement and using his technical acumen to create chances. However, he struggled in a rare start against Türkiye and has worked well as a change of pace from the bench. Tim Weah, who played center-forward early in his career, could drift wide but the US already have strength down his preferred right side with Weston McKennie, Alex Freeman, Dest, and Malik Tillman.
Brenden Aaronson has seldom played striker but scored two goals when he started for Leeds as a center-forward in January. His work rate and ability to interchange with Pulisic and McKennie could dizzy a defense, though he offers less end product than alternatives. Ricardo Pepi is the most talked-about replacement. He started twice in the group stage and has come off the bench in the other two matches. Pepi scored 19 goals for PSV last season but his tasks under Pochettino have been largely thankless. He is a vital hold-up fulcrum for quick breaks and sustained possession, using his frame to muscle off opponents. However, his back-to-goal industry can slow the game, playing into Belgium's hands.
Haji Wright as a Potential Option
Haji Wright has logged just one minute at this World Cup despite his star role in Coventry City's promotion to the Premier League. He has refined his game since Frank Lampard took over in November 2024. Wright is an adept channel-runner, able to get beyond a backline to offer options for teammates. He is crafty in close quarters and his threat intensified in the physical Championship, even as opponents tailored gameplans to neutralize him.
Wright also offers supplemental benefits given his propensity to score when cutting infield from the left. Bosnia and Herzegovina limited the US's progression down the left, where the Americans had enjoyed success against Senegal and Paraguay. Wright could alternate zones seamlessly with Pulisic, a longtime close friend, and he scored the United States' only knockout goal of the 2022 tournament. A more nimble, direct option like Wright may make the most sense, especially knowing that Pepi can provide a capable spark off the bench.
