Dest sees equal odds for US and Belgium at World Cup 2026

Sergiño Dest, the United States wing‑back from Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven, believes both his national side and Belgium have realistic chances of reaching the World Cup 2026 quarter‑finals, despite the tournament’s uneven start for the Red Devils in the North American hosts.

The United States will face Belgium on Monday night, 6 July, with the game rolling into Tuesday, 7 July. Kick‑off is scheduled for 02:00 Dutch time.

When asked how the United States could trouble Belgium in the round of 16, Dest replied, “Dat ga ik hier niet vertellen. Anders hebben jullie onze tactiek door.” He added that he expects a “gelijkopgaande wedstrijd” – a fifty‑fifty contest – noting, “Jullie hebben goeie spelers, wij ook.”

Dest acknowledged that Belgium’s path to the last‑16 has not been flawless in the United States, Canada and Mexico. He observed, “Momenteel zitten we heel goed in het toernooi. België soms, maar geregeld ook wat minder. Dat de beste moge winnen.”

Dest was also asked whether the 2‑5 defeat to Belgium in March still lingers for the American side. He said he let the encounter pass, but noted that PSV teammate Ricardo Pepi provided an assist, adding, “In een oefenwedstrijd probeer je dingen uit, maar is het niet voor echt. Dat is het nu wel.”

The juxtaposition of optimism for a balanced showdown and the reminder of past setbacks underscores Dest’s measured outlook. The upcoming clash will test whether the United States can translate his confidence into a decisive performance.