FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Live: Belgium Announce Starting XI Against USA, De Bruyne and Lukaku Begin on Bench
Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia has officially confirmed his starting lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash against the United States at Seattle Stadium.
The biggest talking point from the team sheet is the decision to leave experienced stars Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku on the bench, with Garcia opting for a younger attacking setup in the knockout encounter.
Official Belgium Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper:
Thibaut Courtois
Defenders:
Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy, Brandon Mechele, Maxim De Cuyper
Midfielders:
Amadou Onana, Nicolas Raskin, Youri Tielemans (C)
Forwards:
Dodi Lukébakio, Charles De Ketelaere, Leandro Trossard
Available Subs:
Senne Lammens, Mike Penders, Arthur Theate, Zeno Debast, Thomas Meunier, Koni De Winter, Joaquin Seys, Axel Witsel, Hans Vanaken, Alexis Saelemaekers, Diego Moreira, Matias Fernandez-Pardo, Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku, Romelu Lukaku
Belgium head into the knockout tie with a fully fit squad and no suspension concerns following their dramatic extra-time victory over Senegal in the Round of 32. Despite playing 120 minutes in their previous match, the Red Devils have avoided any major fitness issues ahead of the crucial clash.
Rudi Garcia has made a significant tactical call by introducing changes to his usual setup, with Belgium’s experienced leaders De Bruyne and Lukaku kept in reserve as potential second-half game-changers. The starting attack will rely on the creativity of Trossard and De Ketelaere, while Tielemans is expected to take responsibility in midfield as captain.
The Red Devils will look to use their depth from the bench if the match remains tight, with De Bruyne, Lukaku and Doku offering elite attacking options for the closing stages.
