Only Belgium now stands between the USMNT and a chance to match its best World Cup finish of the modern era. The Americans' best performance came at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the quarterfinals before being eliminated by Germany.
Now, Mauricio Pochettino has the opportunity to guide the USMNT back to that stage if his side can continue its impressive World Cup campaign. However, after seeing fellow co-hosts Canada and Mexico eliminated, the Americans know there are no easy opponents left in the tournament, with Belgium presenting their toughest test yet.
Belgium also needs a win if it wants to silence the questions that have surrounded its performance on the biggest stage for years. Despite boasting immensely talented squads through the years, the Red Devils have fallen short of expectations multiple times, and the current squad will be desperate to prove they can finally deliver.
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Their best performance in the World Cup came in 2018 when they finished third after beating England in the third-place play-off match.
Referee & VAR Officials for USMNT vs. Belgium
Jordanian referee Adham Makhadmeh will officiate the Round of 16 match between the USMNT and Belgium.
The 39-year-old is a referee in the Jordanian Pro League and also officiates across Asia under the Asian Football Confederation.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
This will also be his fourth match at the World Cup, having previously officiated Spain vs. Cape Verde and New Zealand vs. Belgium in the group stage, followed by England vs. DR Congo in the Round of 32.
Along with AFC tournaments that include the AFC Champions League, AFC Asian Cup, he was also involved in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Games.
- Referee: Adham Mohammad (Jordan)
- Assistant Referee 1: Mohammad Alkalaf (Jordan)
- Assistant Referee 2: Ahmad Alroalle (Jordan)
- Fourth Official: Pierre Atcho (Gabon)
- Video Assistant Referee (VAR): Khamis Al Marri (Qatar)
