The USA squad celebrated the 250th anniversary of American independence by preparing for one of the biggest games of their lives as they get ready for a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ quarter-finals.
Despite losing to the Red Devils at both Brazil 2014 and in a March friendly ahead of the global showpiece, the Stars and Stripes remain confident they will be able to spark some Fourth of July fireworks of their own by defeating the European heavyweights, who have scored an incredible eight goals in their past two games.
"It is special [to spend the Fourth of July together]. It's definitely special because it's during a World Cup and triple special because it's here in the US," USA captain Tim Ream told the media. "We've said this as a group with all our different backgrounds where we have all grown up, it's a true representation of what America is. It's a melting pot of people, of personalities of characters.
"We are very aware of the impact that we're having around the country... on generations of fans and supporters. [The Belgium game] is an opportunity to continue on in the tournament, an opportunity to continue to inspire tens of millions of people and an opportunity to win another knockout stage game in the World Cup."
The Stars and Stripes were heavily defeated by Belgium when the two sides met in Atlanta in March. But Ream does not believe that 5-2 setback has any bearing on Monday's game. "We are two very different teams now than we were in March. This is a completely different game than in March," he added.
Their task to reach the last eight for the first time since Korea/Japan 2002 has been made that much harder with star striker Folarin Balogun suspended after he was shown a red card during . Ricardo Pepi is in prime position to replace the Monaco forward.
"Pepi is a good striker. His finishing is really good and he is comfortable playing [in the World Cup]. He fits in the team as well — he is a different type of striker but if he plays it is his chance to show what he is capable of," added full-back Sergino Dest.
"It's an important game. Belgium is a great opponent but we also see some opportunities for us to be able to win that game. We are also a great team at the moment. We have grown a lot as a team and it is really difficult to beat us and it will be difficult for Belgium as well."
Sources: FIFA Official
