USA vs. Belgium history: Head-to-head matches at World Cup, last meeting, team records and more

Soccer can give fans many feelings: the thrill of a game-winning goal, the embarrassment of one’s team losing to a friend’s, or even bitter rage at a rival. That last feeling has been a frequent one for United States fans in relation to Belgium.

Since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the Red Devils have been near the top of many fans’ lists as a least-favorite team, likely under England and Mexico. While it has been a rather one-sided rivalry, the history between Belgium and the United States will be rekindled on Monday night at the 2026 World Cup Round of 16, just over 12 years since that fateful night in Brazil.

Here’s a quick look at the history between these two nations.

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USA vs Belgium history

Throughout their history as soccer nations, the U.S. and Belgium have played each other seven times across all competitions. Both countries actually played their first World Cup game against each other on July 13, 1930, in Parque Central, Montevideo, Uruguay. The Americans emerged victorious, but it would be the last time for a while.

While no major drama stirred from when the countries met through their five international friendlies, a rivalry was born at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Despite a 16-save performance from Tim Howard in the USMNT's net, his team could not find the offensive firepower and did not score throughout regulation time. The Stars and Stripes were able to finally salvage a goal after Belgium scored two in extra time, but couldn't get that elusive second goal.

USA vs Belgium head to head

Across their seven total meetings since 1930, Team USA has not won a match against the Belgians after their first meeting on July 13, 1930. The game also served as the United States' first match at a World Cup, and they prevailed 3-0. 

Since then, the "rivalry" has been very one-sided. The U.S. has lost the last six meetings against the Red Devils, and their second-most recent match at the 2014 World Cup. During that match, Tim Howard gave his performance of a lifetime with 16 saves, but two extra-time goals for Belgium were enough to push them through to the quarterfinals.

USA vs Belgium: Last five meetings

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Last USA vs Belgium World Cup match

The USA and Belgium's last meeting at the World Cup came at the 2014 edition in Brazil. On a hot night at Casa de Apostas Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, many counted the U.S. out before they even stepped foot onto the pitch. Howard, however, had different plans.

While the European side booted shot after shot at Howard's net, the American goalkeeper failed to waver during regulation time. Heading into the break before extra time, Howard had still maintained a clean sheet against an evidently much better Belgian team. In the 93rd minute, Howard's fortune had run out, and Belgium was able to put two goals past him.

The U.S. did have a few opportunities after Belgium's Romelu Lukaku doubled the lead, but the Stars and Stripes could not make the most of their shots after getting a goal back. 

Here are the highlights from that special night in Salvador:

USA vs Belgium World Cup betting odds

While the odds are narrow to open, the co-host United States is the slight favorite to win Monday's Round of 16 match against Belgium. The U.S. has historically struggled against European soccer teams throughout recent history, but maybe the bookmakers are expecting the team's latest 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina to turn the tide.

Belgium has not looked great in this World Cup, as they fell behind 2-0 to Senegal and looked to be outclassed for a large portion of the game. The criticism can't extend too far, as they were able to overcome that deficit with a 3-2 last-minute win.

Here's how the odds look to open before Monday's match.

Odds via DraftKings (USA).

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