The U.S. men’s national soccer team faced a challenging defeat in their World Cup preparation, as Belgium showcased their strength in the second half, clinching a decisive 5-2 victory at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday.
According to Opta, this defeat marked the first time since a 8-1 loss to England in 1959 that the U.S. team lost by three goals at home while initially scoring first.
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“This serves as a valuable reality check for us,” stated Pochettino at a press conference.
“Competitive matches are crucial as we prepare for the World Cup. We cannot enter thinking we’re invincible, just because we are Americans,” he emphasized.
“If we aspire to win the World Cup and advance in the group stage to beat Paraguay, we must recognize that they will be fiercely competitive.”
Weston McKennie opened the scoring for the U.S. in the 39th minute with a header from a corner by Antonee Robinson, marking his 12th goal for the national team and his first since 2023.
Belgium quickly responded, with Zeno Debast scoring an equalizer just before halftime. They exploited U.S. defensive weaknesses, netting three goals within a 15-minute span in the second half.
Amadou Onana put Belgium ahead in the 53rd minute, followed by a penalty conversion from Charles De Ketelaere in the 59th minute. Dodi Lukebakio added another with a curling shot to make it 4-1.
Lukebakio secured his second goal in the 82nd minute as many fans from the predominantly American crowd of 66,867 made an early exit. U.S. substitute Patrick Agyemang netted a consolation goal in the 87th minute.
This loss ended the U.S.’s five-game unbeaten streak, which was tied for the best record during Pochettino’s leadership.
Pochettino, acknowledging the team’s humbling experience, advised against panic as the World Cup approaches in just over two months.
“We shouldn’t worry about the World Cup just yet,” he remarked.
“While a 5-2 defeat is tough to swallow, it’s essential to focus on the positives. The first half was commendable; we outperformed Belgium until conceding right before halftime, which had a significant impact on our momentum.”
Christian Pulisic missed several crucial opportunities, extending his goal drought to seven matches since November 2024 and carrying a scoreless streak of 12 games with AC Milan.
“I’m certainly disappointed. I must convert those chances,” Pulisic said. “While they aren’t easy opportunities, I expect to perform better in some critical moments.”
During their unbeaten streak last fall, the U.S. secured victories against teams like Japan (18th), Australia (27th), Paraguay (38th), and Uruguay (17th), along with a draw against Ecuador (23rd). The U.S. is set to face No. 5 Portugal on Tuesday, their final match before Pochettino announces the World Cup roster in late May.
“To advance far in the tournament, we need to win against teams like this,” emphasized Pulisic.
The 15th-ranked U.S. team was shorthanded on defense due to injuries to Sergiño Dest, Chris Richards, and Miles Robinson. Midfielder Tyler Adams was also unavailable for this match. Consequently, Tim Weah played as a right back but struggled against Belgium’s Manchester City winger Jérémy Doku.
The match was equally difficult for goalkeeper Matt Turner, who made his first appearance since June. Left back Antonee Robinson also returned from injury for his first game since November 18, 2024.
“We must defend our box more effectively,” Turner remarked. “It’s unacceptable to not give our all to keep the ball out of the net, especially when we should be most motivated.”
Belgium played without key striker Romelu Lukaku and midfielders Leandro Trossard, Hans Vanaken, and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, all sidelined due to injuries and fitness concerns. Belgium is scheduled to play Mexico in Chicago on Tuesday.
“The U.S. is a better team than today’s result suggests,” remarked Belgium’s coach Rudi Garcia. “We started poorly, but the USA came out as the more aggressive side.”
This report includes contributions from ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle and The Associated Press.