THE TAKE
I believe Team USA can figure a way to beat Belgium without our best player, Balogun. Obviously Pulisic must more aggressively rise and shine, and will.
BOLDNESS
6/100
GRADE
4/100
PLAYERS / TEAMS
Christian PulisicTeam USABelgium
GRADING CRITERIA
TRUE IF
Team USA defeats Belgium in their next matchup; TRUE if Pulisic demonstrates increased aggression in that match.
FALSE IF
USA loses or draws.
bold callcontrarian
OUTCOME
CONFIRMED FALSEUSA lost to Belgium 4-1 in the Round of 16 on July 6, 2026, and were eliminated from the World Cup. The prediction's premise about Balogun's absence was also rendered moot — FIFA controversially lifted his red card suspension, meaning Balogun actually played in the match. Pulisic not only failed to 'rise and shine' but was substituted off in the 59th minute with an apparent injury after a poor showing.