The United States enter this last-16 clash in Seattle aiming to secure only their second appearance in a World Cup quarterfinal. The co-hosts advanced from the group stage after finishing top of Group D and continued their momentum with a 2–0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the previous round.

Their progress has been slightly overshadowed by disciplinary drama involving Folarin Balogun, who was shown a controversial red card in the knockout stage while also scoring in the same match. FIFA later placed his one-match suspension on a one-year probation, meaning the forward remains eligible for selection.

The winner of this tie will move on to face either Portugal or Spain in the quarter-finals, adding extra significance to an already high-pressure encounter.

United States form and key contributors

Mauricio Pochettino’s side have been in strong attacking form throughout the tournament, scoring at least two goals in every match so far. They became the first team from outside Europe and South America to achieve that scoring consistency across four consecutive World Cup games.

Balogun has been central to their offensive output, scoring three times from 11 shots, giving him a 27.3% conversion rate. In comparison, the rest of the squad have produced five goals from 41 attempts combined, underlining his importance in the final third.

Set-piece situations have also played a notable role, with four goals coming from dead-ball scenarios. Malik Tillman’s free-kick against Bosnia-Herzegovina marked only the nation’s second-ever World Cup goal from a direct set piece.

Last 5 USA matches stats

Belgium squad dynamics and tournament path

Belgium arrives with questions surrounding their attacking balance, as Romelu Lukaku continues to build match sharpness while Kevin De Bruyne has not completed a full match in any of his four appearances at the tournament. His early substitutions have contrasted with his previously consistent tournament minutes.

In their knockout match against Senegal, coach Rudi Garcia made notable changes, including removing Jérémy Doku while the team was trailing. Despite this, Lukaku and Youri Tielemans turned the game around late on, with both scoring within a short 159-second window to force extra time.

Tielemans later secured victory with a dramatic stoppage-time penalty, which arrived deep into the match at 124:44 and set a new World Cup record for the latest goal scored.

Last 5 Belgium matches stats

Historical context and key match facts

Belgium have shown resilience in knockout football, becoming the first side since their own comeback in 2018 to recover from a two-goal deficit and progress in a World Cup elimination match. Their creativity has also been highlighted by Leandro Trossard, who has created 16 chances from open play, the second-highest total at the last three editions of the tournament.

The United States, however, holds only one win in their last seven meetings with Belgium, dating back to a 3–0 victory in the 1930 World Cup. Since then, they have suffered six consecutive defeats, conceding an average of 2.5 goals per match.

Their most recent encounter ended in a 5–2 defeat for the Americans in a friendly held in March, further underlining Belgium’s historical edge in this fixture.

Past H2H Results

Prediction and expected outcome

The USA enters this match with strong attacking momentum and a home advantage in Seattle, having scored at least twice in every game so far in the tournament. Mauricio Pochettino’s side have looked particularly dangerous in open play and from set-pieces, with Folarin Balogun providing a decisive cutting edge when available. Belgium, however, brings far greater knockout experience and has already shown resilience by coming from behind in dramatic fashion against Senegal. Their ability to respond under pressure, combined with late-match decisiveness from players like Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans, makes them extremely dangerous in tight games. The most likely scenario is a closely contested match where the USA press aggressively and create chances, while Belgium remain more controlled and efficient in key moments. Ultimately, Belgium’s experience in managing high-stakes knockout situations may give them a slight edge over a US side still chasing only their second-ever quarter-final appearance.

Prediction: Belgium 2-1 USA

Expected outcome: A tight, emotionally charged contest where the USA threaten strongly at home but are edged out by Belgium’s superior tournament experience and late-game composure, sending the Red Devils into another World Cup quarter-final.

Two pre-tournament favourites are set to meet in a major World Cup round-of-16 clash as the Portugal national football team takes on the Spain national football team in the Dallas heat on Monday. The encounter arrives after both sides navigated intense last-32 drama to reach this stage of the competition.

Portugal advanced in extraordinary circumstances, edging past Croatia thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Gonçalo Ramos and a contentious VAR decision that went their way after a dramatic contest. Croatia thought they had levelled through Joško Gvardiol in the closing moments, only for Ramos’ 94th-minute strike to ultimately decide the tie.

Spain, meanwhile, arrive in strong form and are widely seen as one of the most complete teams at the tournament, setting up a high-level tactical battle between two European heavyweights.

Portugal’s route to the last sixteen

Portugal’s progress came with tension and late drama, but the result secured their place in the round of 16 and keeps their ambition of reaching another deep tournament run alive. They are now targeting a fourth appearance in the World Cup quarter-finals and are aiming to reach that stage in consecutive editions for the first time.

Historically, Portugal have not managed back-to-back knockout wins at a World Cup since 2006, when they defeated both the Netherlands and England before eventually being eliminated by France in the semi-finals. That past benchmark remains the last time they strung together sustained knockout success at this level.

Captain Cristiano Ronaldo also marked a personal milestone in the tournament by scoring his first-ever World Cup knockout stage goal, adding further significance to Portugal’s latest progression.

Last 5 Portugal matches stats

Spain’s form and dominance

The Spain national football team has impressed with control and consistency, going through their opening four matches without conceding a goal for the first time in World Cup history. They are also only the second European team to record four consecutive clean sheets at the tournament, matching a feat previously achieved by Switzerland in 2006.

Their round-of-16 place was secured in style with a 3-0 win over Austria, featuring a brace from Mikel Oyarzabal and a goal from Pedro Porro. If they extend their defensive run by shutting out Portugal, Spain would become the first team in World Cup history to register six successive clean sheets.

Spain’s broader form under coach Luis de la Fuente has been exceptional, with the team unbeaten in 34 matches, just one short of their all-time record streak. De la Fuente himself has gone 11 matches unbeaten in major international tournaments, conceding only four goals in that span.

Last 5 Spain matches stats

History and key meetings

Encounters between Portugal and Spain have been tightly contested across major tournaments, with five previous meetings producing one win each and three draws. Their most famous modern clash came at the 2018 World Cup, when they drew 3-3 in a thrilling group-stage match in which Ronaldo scored a hat-trick.

They also met in the semi-finals of Euro 2012, where neither side scored in normal or extra time before Spain progressed on penalties. Portugal’s only victory in this long stretch of competitive meetings came at Euro 2004, when Nuno Gomes scored the winner in a 1-0 group-stage triumph.

Overall, Portugal have won just one of their last 12 competitive games against Spain, though they did manage to win their most recent meeting in the Nations League final in June 2025 after a penalty shootout.

Past H2H Results

Prediction and expected outcome

Spain enter this match as slight favourites thanks to their exceptional unbeaten run, defensive solidity, and consistent control of games throughout the tournament. Luis de la Fuente’s side have not conceded in four World Cup matches and are on a long stretch of results that highlights their stability at the highest level. Portugal, however, arrive with proven knockout resilience after a dramatic late win over Croatia and will believe they can punish any lapse in concentration. The presence of Cristiano Ronaldo and the recent impact of Gonçalo Ramos give them a clear attacking threat in decisive moments. Spain’s edge in form and balance, driven by their structure and players like Mikel Oyarzabal, suggests they are more likely to control long periods of the match. The most likely scenario is a tight, tactical contest where Spain’s consistency eventually tells, but Portugal remains dangerous throughout.

Prediction: Spain 2-1 Portugal

Expected outcome: A narrow Spanish victory that extends their unbeaten run and defensive record, while Portugal exit with the sense that small margins and late moments decided a closely fought knockout tie.

England produced a famous 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in a match filled with drama, emotion, and extreme conditions. The win sends them through to the quarter-finals, where they will face Norway in Miami on Saturday at 22:00 BST.

The contest unfolded in a stadium known for its overwhelming atmosphere, with Mexico supporters creating a deafening noise and even some in tears during the national anthem. England also had to deal with an altitude above 7,000ft and a weather delay of an hour caused by storms before kick-off.

Mexico entered the match with a dominant home record, having lost only twice in 89 competitive games at the venue, which underlined the scale of England’s achievement. Despite early doubts around their progress in the tournament, England responded with a performance that stood out as one of their most significant victories in years.

Even after going down to 10 men, England held firm through a tense finale that included 11 minutes of added time, finishing a night described as chaotic, emotional, and unforgettable.

Tuchel’s decisions steer England through chaos

England head coach Thomas Tuchel played a decisive role in shaping the outcome, with his tactical approach designed to absorb early pressure by sitting deep and slowing Mexico’s momentum. This allowed England to manage possession and reduce the intensity of the home side’s attack while coping with a hostile crowd.

His biggest test came after Jarell Quansah was sent off early in the second half, forcing immediate structural changes. Tuchel responded by introducing John Stones and later reshaping the side further with Dan Burn and Djed Spence to form a more defensive setup.

England were also boosted by Harry Kane, who scored from the penalty spot to extend the lead to 3-1, although he later conceded a penalty that brought Mexico back into the match. The closing stages became increasingly frantic as England defended their narrow advantage.

Former England captain Alan Shearer praised the manager’s substitutions and the collective discipline of the team, highlighting how the changes helped England survive sustained pressure in the final minutes.

Bellingham delivers decisive match-defining display

Jude Bellingham produced a standout performance, scoring twice to give England control of the match in its early stages. His influence went beyond goals, as he also made a crucial goal-line intervention that prevented Mexico from equalising before halftime.

Even after Mexico pulled a goal back, Bellingham remained central to England’s control of the game. His overall display was described as a complete performance on the biggest stage, reinforcing his importance in the squad.

Former defender Micah Richards praised his confidence and consistency, noting his ability to elevate his game when playing for his country. Bellingham himself spoke about pride in representing England and creating memorable nights for supporters.

His contribution proved vital in a match where momentum repeatedly shifted, especially after England were reduced to 10 players and forced into a defensive battle.

Pickford stands firm under mounting pressure

Jordan Pickford delivered a crucial performance in goal, producing two important first-half saves from Raul Jimenez and later asserting control over his area as Mexico pushed forward.

Although his form earlier in the tournament had been inconsistent, this display marked one of his most composed and reliable performances for England. He played a key role in maintaining the lead during Mexico’s late pressure.

Pickford equalled Peter Shilton’s record of 17 World Cup appearances and is set to surpass it in the next round. He described the match as emotional and intense, emphasising the resilience shown by the team.

His ability to remain focused in a chaotic environment helped England withstand a barrage of pressure in the final stages of the match.

heroes emerge as England reflects on epic victory

After the final whistle, players collapsed in exhaustion and celebration, reflecting the physical and emotional toll of the match. Tuchel embraced Bellingham in celebration as England secured a victory he described as “beautiful to see.”

Tuchel expressed pride in his team’s attitude and effort, highlighting their response to every challenge thrown at them, from altitude and weather delays to playing with 10 men. He described the match as an emotional and dramatic rollercoaster.

Harry Kane also spoke about the collective effort, stating that the entire team produced hero-like performances and that it was one of the most memorable nights of his career.

England now moves forward in the tournament with confidence after overcoming one of the most difficult away environments in international football.