CHARLESTON, S.C. - Ahead of the United States' Round of 16 matchup against Belgium, we sat down with head coach Ciaran Traquair to break down the upcoming match and discuss other teams, players and storylines to watch throughout the remainder of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Who wins USA vs. Belgium?

Traquair: United States.

Traquair expects the U.S. to advance, pointing to the team's energy entering the Round of 16. He also felt Belgium was fortunate to move on from the previous round.

What is your score prediction for USA vs. Belgium?

Traquair: United States 2, Belgium 1.

Who is the key player to watch for the United States?

Traquair: Folarin Balogun.

Traquair selected Balogun as the key player to watch for the United States as he continues to be a major piece of the American attack.

Who is the key player to watch for Belgium?

Traquair: Youri Tielemans and Romelu Lukaku.

Traquair identified Tielemans and Lukaku as Belgium's key players. He noted that Lukaku is getting older but still carries a major threat because of his size and finishing ability.

What the U.S. Needs to Do

Traquair: Play with high intensity.

Traquair said the U.S. needs to make it difficult for Belgium to settle into the match, take its chances when they come and get a lead.

What other Round of 16 matchup are you most excited to watch: Portugal vs. Spain, Argentina vs. Egypt or Switzerland vs. Colombia?

Traquair: Switzerland vs. Colombia.

Traquair said he is excited to watch Colombia again, noting the strong support the team has received throughout the tournament. He said Colombia's matches have felt close to home games because of the number of Colombian fans in the stands.

Which team has impressed you the most in the knockout stage so far?

Traquair: Spain.

Traquair said Spain has impressed him the most because of its ability to dominate almost every phase of the game and make it difficult for opponents to gain momentum.

Who is your dark horse to make a deep run from the remaining teams?

Traquair: Norway.

Traquair believes Norway can continue its run and make a deep push in the tournament, led by Erling Haaland, who he called one of the most dangerous strikers in soccer.

Who is your Golden Boot pick?

Traquair: Kylian Mbappé.

What tactical storyline are you watching the most in the knockout rounds?

Traquair: Teams winning with less possession.

Traquair will be watching whether teams continue to have less of the ball and still find ways to win matches.

World Cup Final

Traquair: France vs. Colombia.

Who wins the World Cup?

Traquair: France.