Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT welcomes Belgium for an exciting friendly match in Atlanta, Georgia, this Saturday.
WATCH — USMNT v Belgium
For live updates and highlights during the USMNT vs Belgium match, make sure to check out PST’s live blog coverage below.
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How to watch USMNT vs Belgium live, stream link and kickoff time
Kickoff time: 3:30 PM ET Saturday (March 28)
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta, Georgia
TV Channel: Telemundo, Universo (en Español)
Streaming: Stream live on Peacock (en Español)
USMNT vs Belgium score: 1-1
McKennie 39′; Deblast 45′
Saelemaekers denied by Turner!
Belgium nearly took the lead at the end of the first half, but Turner managed to push away Saelemaekers’ shot on goal.
Deblast strikes!
Doku cuts inside, his shot is blocked by Turner, but the ball bounces perfectly for Zeno Deblast, who fires a low shot into the bottom corner, leveling the match at 1-1 just before halftime.
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De Bruyne comes close!
After conceding, Belgium responded strongly, coming close twice with a deflected shot rolling just wide, followed by De Bruyne hitting just off target.
McKennie puts the USA ahead!
Robinson’s corner goes untouched, and McKennie capitalizes, getting ahead of Raskin to tap it in. The USA now leads Belgium!
De Ketelaere’s goal ruled out for handball
Doku disrupts down the left, delivering a cross to De Ketelaere, who finds the net. However, VAR confirms his hand made contact, and the goal is disallowed.
Balogun’s shot saved!
Belgium’s giveaway at the edge of their box puts Balogun in the spotlight, but his low shot is saved comfortably by Lammens.
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Weah’s great cross nearly connects with McKennie
Timothy Weah showcases his speed on the right, sending in a perfect cross to the near post where McKennie just misses a clean hit.
De Bruyne’s deflected shot saved by Turner
Belgium gains momentum after the hydration break, with a deflected shot from De Bruyne needing a diving save from Turner.
McKennie booked for pulling back Doku
McKennie’s foul on Doku earns him a yellow card as he drags the winger down.
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Lammens saves McKennie’s volley!
A corner is flicked on, finding McKennie open at the back post, but Lammens makes a spectacular save to keep the score level.
Pulisic’s counter shot goes wide
Pulisic breaks forward on a counter but scuffs his shot wide, missing a good opportunity.
Saelemaekers fires over
De Bruyne’s corner reaches Alexis Saelemaekers, who unleashes a powerful shot just over the bar, signaling both teams’ early intensity.
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Lammens denies Robinson!
A well-worked short corner allows Robinson to unleash a strike, but Lammens gets low to make the save.
Pulisic heads over the bar
A long ball finds Weah, who delivers a cross, yet Pulisic heads it just over, showcasing the USMNT’s offensive promise.
Belgium starts strong
Belgium had early chances, taking advantage of USMNT’s defensive errors. Doku posed a constant threat, forcing Weah into a challenging matchup.
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Teams take the field for anthems
Both teams are on the field for the anthems in a thrilling pre-match atmosphere, complete with flames and an electric guitar rendition of the U.S. anthem. It’s kickoff time!
Both teams field strong lineups
Pochettino’s lineup is as expected, except for Chris Richards, who is sidelined by injury. The USA lines up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Weah at right back and McKenzie at center back alongside Ream. The attacking quartet of McKennie, Tillman, Pulisic, and Balogun looks potent. Belgium’s playmaker De Bruyne remains a key player, supported by the dynamic Doku on the wing. Despite missing Courtois, Trossard, and Lukaku due to injuries, they showcase considerable talent.
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USMNT lineup
Turner; McKennie, McKenzie, Ream, Robinson; Tessmann, Cardoso; Weah, Tillman, Pulisic; Balogun
Belgium lineup
Lammens; Meunier, Mechele, Debast, De Cuyper; Raskin, Onana; Saelemaekers, De Bruyne, Doku; De Ketelaere
USMNT team news and focus
Tyler Adams and Sergino Dest are notable absentees due to injury, impacting the right-back competition. Having McKennie, Weah, Pulisic, and Balogun all fit is a significant boost for Pochettino as they prepare for June’s World Cup. Regulars like Aaronson, Richards, and Robinson add experience, while newcomers look to secure their spots. The competition for the final World Cup roster remains fierce, particularly in the goalkeeping department, where Matt Freese is the frontrunner.
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Belgium team news and focus
Belgium faces setbacks with key players Trossard, Lukaku, and Courtois missing due to injury. However, De Bruyne, Doku, and Lammens bring star power to the squad. Despite lacking defensive depth, Belgium’s promising young forwards have great potential, all playing at significant clubs in Europe.
USMNT vs Belgium preview
This match and the upcoming friendly against Portugal are essential for the USMNT to gauge their readiness ahead of the home World Cup this summer. With a nearly full-strength squad, this encounter against a European giant will provide a meaningful test for this young American team.
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Belgium continues to produce world-class talent, maintaining excellence for over a decade. While not featuring their ‘Golden Generation’ from the 2018 World Cup, they still possess stalwarts like De Bruyne and emerging talents ready to step up.
USMNT vs Belgium prediction
This match is expected to be closely contested, with the USMNT content to secure a draw. USMNT 1-1 Belgium.