The United States national soccer team got off to a promising start but ultimately faced a heavy 5-2 defeat against Belgium on Saturday (28) in Atlanta during a friendly match as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. After a tightly contested first half, the Belgian side surged ahead in the second half, showcasing their technical prowess.
Under the guidance of coach Mauricio Pochettino, the U.S. struck first in the 39th minute when Weston McKennie capitalized on a set-piece opportunity. The Americans were performing well, exerting pressure along the flanks and creating several scoring chances.
However, Belgium quickly leveled the score just before halftime. Center-back Zeno Debast unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box during stoppage time, ensuring the two teams went into the break on equal footing.
The dynamics shifted completely after halftime. With a heightened attacking quality, Belgium took the lead through Amadou Onana and subsequently extended their advantage with a penalty converted by Charles De Ketelaere. From that moment on, the game opened up, and the U.S. defense struggled to keep pace with their opponents.
In the latter stages of the match, Dodi Lukebakio emerged as the standout performer, scoring two goals—including a stunning strike from outside the box—and playing a pivotal role in the rout. The Belgian squad continued to create additional scoring opportunities, with only a series of impressive saves from U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner preventing further damage.
Late in the game, the United States managed to score a consolation goal through Patrick Agyemang, but it did little to alter the overall narrative of the match. The defeat highlighted the disparity in efficiency between the two teams during the second half.
This friendly match forms part of the Americans’ preparation for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For the U.S., the outcome serves as a reminder that, despite recent advancements, they still face challenges against elite European national teams.
In contrast, Belgium reaffirmed its status as a strong contender in the upcoming World Cup. Even amid a period of transition, the team demonstrated significant attacking capabilities and depth, boasting numerous players who can influence the outcome of matches.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.