It’s official. The United States will face Belgium for a place in the last eight of the 2026 World Cup.That did not always look to be the case, the U.S. had to hold on with ten men to beat Bosnia 2-0, while Belgium had their own rollercoaster ride. Rudi Garcia’s side needed two goals in the final five minutes of regulation time to bring the knockout tie with Senegal back to 2-2, before a last-gasp penalty in extra time — the latest goal in World Cup history — was coolly dispatched by Youri Tielemans to reach the next round. They are ranked No 9 in the world, the U.S. 17th.It has to be said, this was not vintage Belgium. They struggled to create until their final flourish, and were slightly rigid and uninventive on the ball. Aside from their 5-1 win over New Zealand, where the gulf in individual quality showed, they have not been fluid in possession throughout the tournament, struggling to get star players Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku involved in the game.But as we saw earlier today, they can punish wastefulness and any lapses of concentration, as courageous substitutions and Premier League quality came up with big moments to nick the game away.Who have been their star performers?It has been a disappointing tournament so far for Doku, an unrelenting dribbler for Manchester City who loves to run at his full-back and wriggle into the penalty area. No player completed more take-ons in the Premier League last season, while his end-product has markedly improved, racking up 12 assists in all competitions in 2024-25. He should not be written off despite his frustrating start, but it has largely been Leandro Trossard providing the attacking inspiration. No player has created more than his 16 chances from open play at this World Cup, providing the crucial curling cross for Tielemans’ late equaliser earlier today.Romelu Lukaku is now 33, but still has a nose for goal, as his dart to the near-post for Belgium’s opener showed. A powerful, bulky striker, he can hold off defenders, sprint in behind and threaten in the air, having scored 92 goals in 130 caps for his country.