Amazing series ends: Belgium's superstar on the bench

Natatapos ang kahanga-hangang serye: Superstar ng Belgium nasa bench

Ayon sa Sports.

Bakit mahalaga ito

Ang desisyon ni Belgium coach Garcia na i-bench si Kevin De Bruyne ay nagdudulot ng malaking epekto sa kanilang laban kontra USA, lalo na sa konteksto ng World Cup 2026 football. Ang pagkakaroon ng ibang midfield combination, kasama sina Amadou Onana at Nicolas Raskin, ay maaaring magbukas ng bagong estratehiya para sa Belgium laban sa host nation. Ito rin ay nagtatampok sa mga hamon na kinakaharap ng mga koponan sa kanilang paghahanda para sa Mundial 2026.

Key Points

• Wonderful series ends: Belgium's superstar on the bench.
• Many were surprised when Belgium coach Garcia left Kevin De Bruyne on the bench for the match against the United States, ending the player's streak of 37 starts; USA started Folarin Balogun after his red-card suspension was lifted.
• Folarin Balogun remains central to USA's plans.

In the build-up to the round-of-16 of the 2026 Mundial, the most talked about case has been the case of Folarin Balogun — and with his red-card suspension lifted, the American striker has re-entered the United States' starting lineup. But because of this, another big decision from the Belgian side went almost unnoticed. Belgium coach Garcia announced that he will leave superstar Kevin De Bruyne on the bench for the face-to-face match against the host nation, the United States. It was a shocking move that ended De Bruyne's impressive streak: after 37 consecutive starts, he was left out of the first 11. According to the report, the last time he did not start was in 2021, in a Nations League match against Italy. Garcia, 62 years old, relied on a different combination in the middle line to face the Americans. Instead of De Bruyne, he opted to partner Amadou Onana — who plays for Aston Villa — and Nicolas Raskin of Rangers. This duo served as the centerpiece of Belgium's game in the first match against the host nation.

Garcia's decision is likely tactical: it underlines the coach's desire to change the balance of the midfield or provide a different profile against the physicality and speed of the United States. The source did not mention the reason for the exact choice, but it is clear that Belgium are willing to try an alternative plan amid the high stakes of the knockout phase. For the United States, Balogun's return after the suspension was lifted — a development that immediately adjusted their coach's tactics and selection — was a big part of the hope. De Bruyne's move to the bench, meanwhile, has sparked widespread reaction from fans and pundits alike, with the player known as a regular difference-maker in big matches. The world will remain vigilant if Garcia's move pays off. There will be huge interest in when De Bruyne will be brought in if needed, and how the Onana-Raskin axis will cope with the pressure of a host nation. This match is one of the most important tactical encounters in the knockout stage of the Mundial 2026 — not only for the result, but for the strategies and team changes that could set the tone for the rest of the tournament. The question now is: will Garcia's decision to leave De Bruyne on the bench succeed, or will it once again have major implications for Belgium as they exit the competition?

What's next

In this match, Folarin Balogun's performance will be critical for USA, especially after his red-card suspension. Meanwhile Belgium will be hoping that their new midfield duo can provide much needed support to their attack. The outcome of this match could have a profound impact on the season outlook of both teams in their World Cup 2026 campaign.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current form of USA and Belgium before the match?

Ahead of the match, the USA returned Folarin Balogun to the starting lineup after his red-card suspension, while Belgium decided to bench Kevin De Bruyne.

Why is Kevin De Bruyne not playing in the match against USA?

Kevin De Bruyne was left on the bench by Belgium coach Garcia, ending his run of 37 consecutive starts.

What is the effect of Garcia's decision on Belgium's midfield?

Garcia's decision highlighted a change in midfield balance, choosing the tandem of Amadou Onana and Nicolas Raskin to deal with the USA's physicality and speed.

What are the stakes of this match for Belgium and the USA?

This match is part of the knockout phase of Mundial 2026, so the stakes are high for both teams.

Are there injuries or absences reported to the teams?

There were no injuries or absences noted except for the red-card suspension of Folarin Balogun, who has ended and re-entered the USA's starting lineup.

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