FIFA World Cup
The co-hosts will have the home crowd firmly backing them, with Mauricio Pochettino's having won raised expectations with their swashbuckling performances enroute to the last 16 encounter.
Belgium, on the other hand, have yet to display the form many had expected from them.
Belgium, on the other hand, have yet to display the form many had expected from them.
Any fears that the Americans would fail to show up to their own party have been emphatically swept away as Pochettino's men have energised a nation where football has to fight for its place in the spotlight.
A 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last 32 was the most-watched football match in US television history, averaging 33.5 million viewers across all networks.
The brand of high-energy, attacking football that made Pochettino one of the most sought after coaches in European football has been successfully implemented at international level.
A 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last 32 was the most-watched football match in US television history, averaging 33.5 million viewers across all networks.
The brand of high-energy, attacking football that made Pochettino one of the most sought after coaches in European football has been successfully implemented at international level.
Paraguay, who went on to eliminate Germany to reach the last 16, were blown away in a 4-1 victory that got the US off to a flying start.
Even the sending off of Folarin Balogun, who has been one of their stars of the tournament with three goals, against Bosnia could not derail the USA as the 10 men saw the game out with ease.
USA's hopes were further boosted after it was announced that Balogun would be available for the tie against Belgium, with his red card suspended for a year.
Even the sending off of Folarin Balogun, who has been one of their stars of the tournament with three goals, against Bosnia could not derail the USA as the 10 men saw the game out with ease.
USA's hopes were further boosted after it was announced that Balogun would be available for the tie against Belgium, with his red card suspended for a year.
Belgium, however, will have the psychological advantage of having defeated the US 5-2 in an international friendly in March but their current form is a source of concern for their fans.
While they topped Group G, it was achieved from a 5-1 win against New Zealand after having played to draws with Egypt (1-1) and Islamic Republic of Iran.
While they topped Group G, it was achieved from a 5-1 win against New Zealand after having played to draws with Egypt (1-1) and Islamic Republic of Iran.
That was followed by a late escape against Senegal, trailing for the majority of the match before scoring twice to level and then advancing after a VAR-assisted penalty decision in extra time that left the African side frustrated.
There is, however, no denying the talent Rudi Garcia has at his disposal with this likely being the final chances for the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois to bring glory to their nation.
There is, however, no denying the talent Rudi Garcia has at his disposal with this likely being the final chances for the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois to bring glory to their nation.
USA v Belgium
Venue: Seattle Stadium (Seattle)
Kick-off: Monday, 17:00 (UTC-7)
Venue: Seattle Stadium (Seattle)
Kick-off: Monday, 17:00 (UTC-7)
