De Bruyne and Doku left out as Balogun starts for the USA against Belgium

Rudi Garcia has named his Belgium starting line-up for the match against the USA. The selection notably omits Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku, while pairing Amadou Onana and Nicolas Raskin in midfield. The absence of De Bruyne and Doku marks a tactical shift, with Garcia opting for a more physical midfield duo instead. Onana and Raskin will anchor the Belgian midfield against the United States. Across the Atlantic, the focus for the USA was whether Folarin Balogun would indeed start after his suspension. The answer came as he was included in the starting XI.

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Garcia’s decision to leave out two of Belgium’s most experienced players suggests a rotation policy or a specific game plan for the fixture. The inclusion of Onana and Raskin underlines the emphasis on midfield control. The match is set to kick off with Balogun leading the American attack, while Belgium’s starting eleven reflects Garcia’s strategic choices. Both teams are expected to field their strongest available line-ups for this international fixture.

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The absence of De Bruyne and Doku will be closely scrutinised, particularly given their status as key figures in Belgium’s squad. Their omission could indicate a short-term tactical adjustment rather than a long-term exclusion. With the line-ups now confirmed, attention turns to the tactical battle between Garcia and the USA coaching staff. The midfield battle featuring Onana and Raskin will be pivotal in shaping the outcome of the match.