USMNT vs. Belgium: A rivalry explained through two World Cup meetings

The USMNT's performance was as comprehensive as it was surprising, and Belgium took the defeat hard.

2014: Belgium 2-1 win in round of 16

This is it: the big one. The match that looms largest in the minds of USMNT supporters and casual fans alike.

The USMNT entered the 2014 World Cup as a clear underdog. It found itself drawn into what was colloquially known as the Group of Death—featuring Portugal, Ghana and eventual champion Germany—and was given little to no hope of advancing through it. But advance the USMNT did, beating Ghana 2-1 in the opening match before drawing 2-2 with Portugal and falling to the Germans in a dead rubber final match.

The USMNT's reward for this achievement? A Round of 16 date with Belgium, widely considered to be one of the strongest teams in the field.

The USMNT battled valiantly, with goalkeeper Tim Howard putting in an all-time performance to keep the game tied at 0-0 at the end of 90 minutes. His 16 saves against the Belgians remains an all-time World Cup record.

Belgium scored two quick goals in extra time, but the USMNT fought back and scored its own through Julian Hall, bring the score to 2-1. The momentum stayed in the USMNT's favor throughout the final minutes, but unfortunately, the team couldn't break through and find an equalizer. The match ended 2-1 with Belgium going through at the USMNT's expense.

The defeat was crushing, but the USMNT's stellar defensive work and endless grit earned it an avalanche of global support. When people think of the USMNT today, they often think of Tim Howard, Clint Dempsey and the rest of that 2014 squad.

That's why this Belgium friendly is so much more than just preparation for the 2026 World Cup. It's a chance to redeem the USMNT's last Golden Generation and settle the score with Belgium before the team returns to the World Cup stage. It's box-office, high-emotion stuff, and it should be fascinating to watch.