SEATTLE Wash. (KPTV) – The World Cup knockout stage arrives Monday night when the United States meets Belgium in the Round of 16, with a quarterfinal berth on the line. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. local time, but in Seattle the buildup was already loud Sunday as fans from both countries filled the streets.
“The U.S. is gonna win,” one American supporter said. Asked how confident, she added: “Very confident.”
Another U.S. fan dismissed Belgium’s chances, saying, “Belgium had their golden generation — that golden generation is gone, they’re done.”
Belgian fans pushed back, predicting goals and a trip to the next round. “We are gonna win, woo!” one supporter said.
Another forecast a high-scoring game: “I think it’s gonna be a game with a lot of goals, and I think it’s gonna be 4-2 for Belgium.”
The banter stayed mostly playful. “Get ready for you to go back to your waffles,” one U.S. fan joked. “Sorry, Belgium.”
Beyond the predictions, fans on both sides said the World Cup atmosphere is the point. “It’s been really cool to just see people bonding over soccer,” one fan said.
Another Belgian supporter offered a reminder heading into Monday’s match: “At the end of the day, this is a game, and football is supposed to bring nations all together — so let’s make sure we keep that spirit when we are together tomorrow night.”
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