The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) have their star striker back and are heading into a clash with one of Europe’s strongest sides in far better form than many would have predicted.

It’s crunch time now. The USMNT face Belgium on Monday evening, and after some off-field controversy, both sides are set to field their strongest line-ups. On Sunday morning, it was confirmed that Folarin Balogun will be available, as his red card suspension has been temporarily lifted. The USMNT camp is delighted with the news, while Belgium has made its displeasure clear in a strongly worded statement.

Despite all the drama, the match promises to be an entertaining encounter. Belgium are an attacking side who overcame a tricky Senegal team in the Round of 32. The U.S., on the other hand, topped their group and battled to a determined victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, a result that could boost their confidence significantly.

There’s also history between the two nations. In 2014, Tim Howard produced a record-breaking number of saves in a World Cup knockout match against Belgium, though the Europeans eventually prevailed. More recently, the two teams met in a friendly just a few months ago, which Belgium won comfortably. This time, however, both teams come into the game with fresh outlooks and plenty to prove.

So, what does Balogun’s reinstatement mean? Are the USMNT genuine contenders in this matchup? And who will emerge victorious? The debate continues in this latest edition of The Rondo.

Did FIFA make the right decision to lift the red card?

Tom Hindle: Absolutely not. This decision is chaotic. It was a red card four days ago, and it remains one now. FIFA has allowed political influence to seep into its decision-making process because a powerful figure disagreed with the ruling (FIFA denies this, but reports indicate the White House made a call that was taken seriously). It’s absurd. Such interference undermines the integrity of the sport. If the U.S. can reverse a call they dislike, can England or France do the same? How can referees operate fairly knowing their calls might be overturned by higher powers? This is disgraceful and reflects poorly on both FIFA and the United States—pure corruption, no other way to describe it.

Alex Labidou: It’s a tricky issue. At first, the reversal seemed justified. Referee Raphael Claus made an error on the pitch, and FIFA appeared to be correcting it. Since there’s no standard appeal mechanism for such cases, it felt like justice was served—preventing a major tournament moment from being marred by Balogun’s absence. However, reports that the White House intervened raise serious concerns. Political involvement, or even the perception of it, sets a dangerous precedent for future tournaments. Sport must remain merit-based and free from external influence. Though FIFA has denied any U.S. political pressure, the optics remain troubling. It benefits the USMNT now but risks creating a transparency crisis in the long term.

Ryan Tolmich: Probably not. Two wrongs don’t make a right. Most agree Balogun shouldn’t have been sent off, but that was the referee’s decision. By overturning it, FIFA undermines officiating and damages the competition’s credibility. It’s a troubling precedent, especially mid-tournament, and particularly when the host nation is involved. The optics are bad, and it’s not the first time—recall the pre-tournament Cristiano Ronaldo incident—but it’s still problematic.

How significant is Balogun’s return and will it impact the game?

TH: Hugely significant. Balogun has been among the best players in the tournament and is easily the U.S.’s most decisive attacker. Ricardo Pepi is currently far below that level. This completely changes the dynamics of the match (even if part of me now hopes the U.S. gets thoroughly defeated!).

AL: Immensely significant for both teams. Balogun has arguably been one of the World Cup’s standout players. While Pepi and Haji Wright have potential, Balogun’s presence is irreplaceable for a match of this magnitude. Without him, a U.S. loss would have left fans wondering “what if.” Now, both teams are at near full strength—no excuses either way.

RT: Incredibly important. Balogun is the USMNT’s best player, and his inclusion changes everything. The timing of the decision—just a day before kickoff—also hampers Belgium’s preparation. The U.S. will be ecstatic with this development.

How much will home advantage matter?

TH: Likely quite a bit, but it’s also a test for American fans. Can they generate the same intimidating energy as South American or European supporters? We’ll have to wait and see—right now, I’m not convinced anyone truly “fears” U.S. crowds.

AL: Playing in Seattle could prove pivotal. The city has been the heartbeat of American football during this World Cup and could give the hosts a crucial lift.

RT: A major factor. If the USMNT could pick any venue, it would be Seattle. The atmosphere there is electric—it’s one of the best football cities in the country. Few stadiums match its energy.

Key matchup

TH: Jeremy Doku versus Sergiño Dest. This will be Dest’s first real test against an elite winger at this tournament. Remember how Tim Weah struggled against Doku a few months ago? Dest will have to be sharper and will need support from Alex Freeman on the flank.

AL: Christian Pulisic against Belgium’s full-backs. Timothy Castagne has held his own, but Maxim De Cuyper’s stats are worrying—Senegal exploited him heavily. Pulisic has been quiet since the World Cup opener due to injuries and matchups, but this is his chance to shine again.

RT: The wings will decide this one. Doku is a nightmare for defenders, but the USMNT also has quality out wide. Should they focus on stopping him, or would that leave too much space for Kevin De Bruyne? Meanwhile, Balogun’s movement could open lanes for Pulisic. Space management will be key—whoever controls it best will win.

Who poses Belgium’s biggest threat?

TH: Still Kevin De Bruyne. He may have lost some pace, but his vision and passing remain world-class, and he’s lethal from set pieces. Give him space, and the U.S. could be in serious trouble.

AL: Romelu Lukaku off the bench. Belgium’s attack is full of threats, but as Senegal discovered, Lukaku’s introduction in the final stages can change the game completely.

RT: Jeremy Doku. Too fast, too skillful, too dangerous. The USMNT saw what he can do back in March—if they haven’t learned, it’ll be a long night.

Score prediction

TH: 2-0 Belgium. The U.S. dream ends here.

AL: 2-1 USA after extra time. It will be close, but the Seattle crowd could inspire the breakthrough that Pochettino’s men have been waiting for.

RT: Expect an open, end-to-end contest. With Balogun cleared to play, I’m going for a 3-2 USMNT victory.