Doku at risk as USA taunt Belgium before round of 16

USA think they'll walk over Belgium

The Americans are loud and confident. "We kunnen over België heen lopen", "We can walk over Belgium", is the line coming out of the US camp ahead of Tuesday's round of 16 clash (2). Belgium face the USA on Tuesday at 2pm Belgian time (3). Your team won Group G with a 5–1 demolition of New Zealand, but the Americans clearly aren't impressed.

Doku fighting for his starting spot

Jeremy Doku is not himself. The winger admitted he has been struggling: "Ik ben altijd kritisch voor mezelf...", "I am always critical of myself" (8). Kevin De Bruyne has taken him under his wing, but Doku's form has dipped far enough that his place in the lineup against the USA is genuinely at risk. Rudi Garcia has decisions to make (8).

Tielemans has run a marathon already

Youri Tielemans ranks second across the entire World Cup for distance covered. He has already run more than a marathon at this tournament (3). Another Belgian, a surprise name, sits fifth on that same list (3).

Supercomputer: USA ahead of Belgium

Opta's updated model gives the USA better odds than Belgium to reach the quarter-finals. Belgium's overall title chance sits at just 2% (7). France, Spain, Argentina, England, and Brazil all rank higher. The model doesn't believe in your team, that's bulletin-board material for Tuesday.

Boskamp slams Garcia's subs

Johan Boskamp did not hold back. "Rare wissels worden met mantel der liefde bedekt", "Strange substitutions are being swept under the rug", was his verdict on Belgium's narrow escape against Senegal (5). He said he was shocked watching it. The criticism is out there ahead of the USA match.

Fourth goalkeeper leaves the squad

Max Anchor, Belgium's fourth goalkeeper, has left the World Cup camp during the tournament. The squad gave him a stylish send-off: "We zijn dankbaar dat je bij ons was", "We are grateful you were with us" (4) (6). No replacement has been named.

USA tickets hit €9,300

If you are thinking about flying to Seattle, brace yourself. USA–Belgium is now the most expensive football match ever for both nations. Ticket prices have reached €9,300 (9). The match is Monday night in the US, Tuesday afternoon in Belgium (3) (9).

Fan reactions

Belgium fans online are riding the knockout-stage adrenaline. The round of 16 has captivated supporters across the board, with many saying every match feels like it could end in a heart attack. The late drama across the tournament, last-minute winners, penalty shootouts, has this World Cup feeling historic. Read more on Reddit