The USMNT suffered a 5-2 defeat against Belgium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday, leaving Mauricio Pochettino with plenty to consider as the 2026 World Cup approaches in just over two months.
WATCH — Full replay
Weston McKennie opened the scoring for the USMNT in a thrilling first half, but Zeno Debast equalized right before halftime, changing the momentum of the match in Belgium’s favor.
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Belgium, managed by Rudi Garcia, dominated the second half with Jeremy Doku playing a pivotal role. They took the lead shortly after Christian Pulisic squandered a good opportunity. Amadou Onana scored to make it 2-1, followed by a penalty from Charles De Ketelaere after a handball by Tim Ream. Dodi Lukebakio then struck twice—first with a stunning goal and later capitalizing on a poor clearance, pushing the score to 5-1. The USMNT found a late consolation goal through Patrick Agyemang to finish 5-2.
Final Score: USMNT 2 – 5 Belgium
Goals: McKennie 39′, Agyemang 87′; Debast 45′, Onana 53′, De Ketelaere 60′, Lukebakio 68′, 82′
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Agyemang Scores After Tielemans’ Error
Youri Tielemans loses the ball under pressure from Ricardo Pepi, allowing Patrick Agyemang to finish with ease, closing the gap to 5-2.
Turner Saves from Openda
In a swift Belgian counterattack, Openda has a chance, but Turner makes a superb save. McKenzie fouls Openda right after he shoots.
Lukebakio Makes It Five
A cross finds Lukebakio, who slams it home after a failed clearance from Berhalter. The defensive lapses from the USMNT were glaring.
Agyemang’s Header Denied
A cross reaches Patrick Agyemang, but his header is saved nicely by Sammens.
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USMNT Makes Late Substitutions
With just over 15 minutes left, Reyna, Agyemang, Pepi, and Scally replace Pulisic, McKennie, Balogun, and Tillman, looking to salvage some pride.
Lukebakio’s Brilliant Goal
Dodi Lukebakio cuts inside and strikes a gorgeous shot, leaving newly introduced Max Arfsten unable to defend effectively.
Pochettino Reacts with Substitutions
After falling behind by two goals, Pochettino opts for a triple substitution, bringing on Freeman, Arfsten, and Berhalter.
Turner’s Double Save, But Penalty Awarded
A long ball sets up a great opportunity for Doku, who combines well before Turner makes an excellent save. However, after a deflected follow-up, Ream is penalized for a handball. De Ketelaere converts the penalty, extending Belgium’s lead to 3-1, despite the score being harsh on the USA.
Pulisic Active but Unlucky
Christian Pulisic is involved in dangerous plays, though his attempts—including a shot that misses—fall short. Moments later, Weah also misses a shot wide, indicating a positive response from the USMNT despite the setback.
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Onana Scores for Belgium!
Kevin De Bruyne leads a counter, and Doku’s cross sets up Amadou Onana for his first international goal, giving Belgium the lead around halftime.
Pulisic Misses a Key Opportunity
Pulisic makes an excellent run, but his shot sails well over after getting past several defenders.
Half-Time Substitution: Roldan On
Pochettino opts for Cristian Roldan to replace Johnny Cardoso at half-time, aiming for improved ball control in the second half.
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Half-Time Recap: Exciting First Half
The first half in Atlanta was vibrant, with McKennie opening the scoring before Belgium’s late equalizer, setting the stage for a competitive second half.
Belgium Comes Close Near Half-Time
Belgium nearly takes the lead as Saelemaekers’ shot is saved by Turner just before the interval.
Debast Finds the Net
Doku’s effort is blocked but bounces to Zeno Debast, who scores to equalize for Belgium right at half-time.
De Bruyne Nearly Scores!
Belgium presses hard after conceding, with De Bruyne coming close to scoring on a couple of attempts.
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McKennie’s Corner Gives USA the Lead
Robinson’s corner finds McKennie, who scores with a flick to put the USMNT ahead 1-0.
De Ketelaere’s Goal Disallowed
De Ketelaere taps in after Doku’s cross but the goal is ruled out due to a handball, confirmed by VAR.
Balogun’s Shot Saved
Balogun’s low shot from the edge of the box is well saved by Lammens.
Weah’s Cross to McKennie
Weah delivers a fine cross, and McKennie nearly converts but can’t quite connect.
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Belgium Gaining Momentum
Belgium starts strong, targeting weaknesses in the USMNT’s defense, particularly to the left.
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Anthems Underway
Both teams line up for the anthems in Atlanta, with an exciting pre-game atmosphere.
Strong Lineups Announced
Both teams field strong lineups, with the USA in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Despite injury concerns, Pochettino fields a competitive squad. Belgium also boasts significant talent in De Bruyne, Doku, and more, despite some key player absences.
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USMNT Starting XI
Turner; McKennie, McKenzie, Ream, Robinson; Tessmann, Cardoso; Weah, Tillman, Pulisic; Balogun
Belgium Starting XI
Lammens; Meunier, Mechele, Debast, De Cuyper; Raskin, Onana; Saelemaekers, De Bruyne, Doku; De Ketelaere
USMNT Team News
Significant absences include Tyler Adams and Sergino Dest due to injury. Pochettino is glad to have key players like McKennie, Pulisic, and Balogun ready for this crucial match leading up to the World Cup.
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Belgium Team News
Belgium misses the talents of Trossard, Lukaku, and Courtois due to injuries, yet still boasts a squad filled with skilled players looking to make an impact, especially in their attacking lineup.
Match Preview: USMNT vs Belgium
The upcoming friendly matches will be important for the USMNT as they prepare for the World Cup on home soil. With a nearly full-strength squad, the match against Belgium will be a key test of their capabilities.
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Match Prediction
This game is expected to be closely contested, and the USMNT may be satisfied with a draw. Prediction: USMNT 1 – 1 Belgium
How to Watch the Match
Kick-off: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday (March 28)
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Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta, Georgia
TV Channels: Telemundo, Universo (in Spanish)
Streaming Options: Stream live on Peacock (in Spanish)