Belgium have been creating chances at the World Cup without really convincing in their performances overall.

They’re averaging 6.30 shots on target per game and have drawn at least two saves from the opposing keeper in all four of their matches.

Matt Fresse hasn’t really been tested so far, but he’s going to have to have a solid game here for the USA to have a good chance.

He’s got that sort of performance in him, having averaged 3.33 saves per game across 15 starts for New York City in the most recent campaign.

The USA have been one of the surprises of the tournament so far for me. The mood around them before the World Cup wasn’t that positive, but Pochettino has done what he is known for and brought the group together.

He’s also implemented his style of play onto the side, which means that the USA play with plenty of energy, but are liable to end-to-end games, as Pochettino’s philosophy has never prioritised keeping the ball.

All four of their games have seen at least two goals, with two of them producing five goals.

The two games they came with just one goal under this line were against sides that set up to sit deep, which won’t be Belgium’s approach here.

These sides actually faced off earlier this year in a friendly that produced seven goals, with Belgium coming away 5-2 winners. That match produced 33 goals, with each team having three big chances.

Belgium have only kept one clean sheet from their four matches at the World Cup, with their last two games seeing at least three goals.

The USA are averaging 5.75 corners per game at the World Cup and have won 4+ corners in three of their four matches.

I’ve not been convinced by Belgium so far. I don’t think they’ll have the composure to control this game against an energetic USA side, which will lead to Pochettino’s team creating chances and winning corners.

Belgium are conceding 4.00 corners per game and look pretty weak in the fullback areas.

I think they will struggle in those duels, and the USA can benefit with corners being an effective avenue so far - three of their 10 goals at the World Cup have come from set pieces.

Tielemans was the standout performer for Belgium last time out as they came from behind to win 3-2 against Senegal after extra time.

Tielemans scored the equaliser to take the game to extra time, and also converted the penalty in the 120th minute to set up this tie.

Tielemans was fouled twice during the game, including winning the penalty that he later converted.

He’s won nine fouls in total at the World Cup (2.10 per 90) and consistently won fouls for Aston Villa in the Premier League last season (1.98 per 90).

Tielemans will be up against an intense USA side who will press under Pochettino’s instructions, with McKennie, Adams, and Tillman combining to commit 3.2 fouls per 90 at the World Cup.

Belgium are an inconsistent side but they have not lost so far, and have actually avoided defeat across their last 17 matches.

Belgium played the USA in a friendly earlier this year and came away 5-2 winners.

They did face a rotated side, but the likes of McKennie, Balogun, and Tillman all featured, and the USA tend to play in quite an expansive way, which is something that will suit a side with the individual quality that Belgium have.

Belgium going 2-0 down to Senegal is an example of where Belgium are still quite far away from being a challenger for the trophy, but their comeback shows that they do have experience of navigating knockout football under this pressure, which is not an advantage that the USA have.

Rafael Leão started his first World Cup game in the round of 32 against Croatia last time out, and that decision paid dividends.

He sent in the cross that Goncalo Ramos converted in the final few minutes to win the game. Leão did not commit a foul in that match, but he is averaging 1.29 fouls per 90 since Euro 2024. That is a notable increase in his foul numbers for AC Milan, which suggests he is being asked to track back much more for his national side.

Leão featured against Spain in the Nations League final last year and committed two fouls despite playing only 45 minutes. He will be tasked with containing Pedro Porro, who was fouled twice against Austria last time out, and Lamine Yamal, who will operate on the same flank as him.

Timothy Castagne averaged just 0.83 fouls per 90 for Fulham this season, which is nothing to write home about, but he has shown a tendency to rack up fouls when playing against more direct and technical wingers.

He accounted for four of Belgium's 22 fouls against Senegal last time out, and he was fortunate to escape a booking in the end.

Christian Pulisic looks set to be directly up against Castagne for this clash, so it could be a tough game for the full back. Pulisic was fouled four times against Bosnia in the round of 32, and he looked back to his best after being hampered by injuries recently.

The AC Milan winger is averaging 4.34 fouls drawn per 90 at this World Cup, and with Folarin Balogun suspended, Pulisic should see plenty of the ball here, bringing Castagne into the game.