The biggest story surrounding the USMNT right now has nothing to do with what happens on the pitch and everything to do with what happened in a FIFA boardroom. Folarin Balogun, the team's top scorer with three World Cup goals, was set to miss Monday's Round of 16 clash against Belgium after receiving a straight red card in the 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 2. FIFA then reversed course on Sunday, suspending the ban itself and clearing Balogun to play, a decision that sent shockwaves well beyond Seattle.

For Mauricio Pochettino's squad, the reaction was pure relief. As GOAL reported from the team bus, players initially thought the news spreading across social media was fake. Defender Chris Richards described the moment everyone confirmed it as real, saying it gave the group "a little extra boost" ahead of what he called a very strong Belgium side. Pochettino, speaking at his pre-match press conference, called the ruling the right call and a win for football, arguing the team had already been punished enough by finishing the Bosnia game with ten men for over 30 minutes.

Belgium's camp sees it very differently. Manager Rudi Garcia compared the announcement to April Fool's Day, and the Belgian federation said it would pursue every avenue to challenge the ruling. UEFA joined the criticism, describing the decision as "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable" in a statement reported by GOAL.

On the field, the USMNT arrive at this match in strong form, having topped Group D with wins over Paraguay and Australia before grinding out that hard-fought victory over Bosnia. Belgium, unbeaten in their last five, represent a serious step up. A first quarter-final since 2002 is the prize.