Belgium, somehow, are still in the 2026 World Cup. With 85 minutes to go in their Round of 32 clash with Senegal, Belgium were heading out and it looked like Rudi Garcia would be looking for a new job. Just three minutes later, Belgium were level, and the Red Devils somehow went on to win the game in extra-time with a late penalty from captain Youri Tielemans.

This now sets up a clash with one of the hosts, USA. Belgium simply have to play better than they did for the first 80 minutes against Senegal. For Garcia, decisions will need to be made. The side only look potent when Romelu Lukaku is on the pitch, but his fitness is an issue. Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku, despite their obvious talents, have also struggled. Garcia took both off early in the second half to try and change things up. Will both start against USMNT? It would be a bold move of Garcia to drop either for the Round of 16 clash.

One boost for Belgium will be that the USMNT will be without Florian Balogun, who was sent off during their victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Even without Balogun, the USMNT will be a threat to the Red Devils whose defence looked poor against Senegal for most of the game.

Somehow, Belgium have survived, but perhaps they have just prolonged the agony for the fans for just a few more days.