The United States is confident enough to play its own match against Belgium, talisman Christian Pulisic said ahead of a World Cup match that will be the sternest test yet of the qualifications of major tournament co-hosts.
The teams meet on Monday for a place in the quarter-finals, in a repeat of their 2014 clash, when Belgium defeated the US in extra time despite the heroics of goalkeeper Tim Howard. However, the difference in quality between the sides is smaller this time and Pulisic said US confidence is growing despite a 5-2 defeat in a friendly in March.
“We know what they (Belgium) have to offer,” he told reporters on Sunday. “They have really talented players who can make a difference very quickly.
«But we’re not going to completely reinvent our style either. Of course we want to be aggressive and try to hurt them, like we did to other teams this tournament,» Pulisic added.
«We are confident, regardless of the match in March. We know what we can do.»
“We think we can hang around – not just hang around, but dominate periods of the game against some of the best teams… I think we have the right to be confident.”
OUR BELIEF IT CAN WIN
Pulisic called on fans to continue joining the American bandwagon.
«Because we’re Americans, that’s what we do. We believe anything is possible,» he said.
READ ALSO | Why was Balogun’s red card ban suspended ahead of the US vs Belgium?
«We’re a team that’s going to fight and we’re going to give everything we have and we believe we can win this. So I would say that’s a good reason to believe.» Shortly before Sunday’s training, news broke that US forward Folarin Balogun would be available to play against Belgium after FIFA suspended his one-match suspension for a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Pulisic described the red card as “super harsh” and welcomed FIFA’s decision.
“He’s obviously super happy, man… you want to be able to play in games like this,” Pulisic said of Balogun’s reaction.
Published on July 6, 2026
