Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT is set to face Belgium in an exciting friendly match this Saturday in Atlanta, Georgia.
WATCH — USMNT v Belgium
For live updates and highlights of the USMNT vs Belgium match, follow along with PST’s live blog coverage below.
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How to watch USMNT vs Belgium live: stream link and kickoff time
Kickoff: 3:30 PM ET on Saturday (March 28)
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta, Georgia
TV Channel: Telemundo, Universo (in Spanish)
Streaming: Stream live on Peacock (in Spanish)
Match Score: 1-1
Goals: McKennie 39′; Deblast 45′
Halftime Analysis – An Engaging Encounter
The first half in Atlanta was entertaining, featuring McKennie’s successful corner conversion after a brilliant stop by Lammens. However, Deblast’s equalizer just before halftime seemed deserved, as De Bruyne and Doku showcased their skills throughout the half.
Turner Denies Saelemaekers!
Belgium nearly took the lead at the end of the first half when Saelemaekers had a chance, but Turner’s save kept the score level.
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Deblast Strikes!
Doku’s attempt was blocked by Turner, but Zeno Deblast capitalized on the rebound with a low shot into the bottom corner, equalizing right on halftime.
De Bruyne Comes Close!
After conceding, Belgium responded strongly, nearly scoring twice with a deflected shot that went wide, before De Bruyne’s effort just missed the target.
McKennie Puts the USA Ahead!
Following a corner from Robinson, McKennie outpaced Raskin to tap home, giving the USA a 1-0 lead!
De Ketelaere’s Goal Disallowed!
After a scramble created by Doku’s low cross, De Ketelaere tapped in but the goal was ruled out for handball following a quick VAR review.
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Balogun’s Shot Saved!
After Belgium lost possession near their own box, Balogun took a shot, but it was too close to Lammens and easily saved.
Weah Delivers a Superb Cross
Tim Weah impressed on the right with a great cross aimed at McKennie, who couldn’t connect cleanly with the chance.
De Bruyne’s Shot Saved
Belgium gained momentum after the hydration break, with De Bruyne’s deflected shot saved well by Matt Turner.
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McKennie Receives a Yellow Card
In a desperate play, McKennie pulled down Doku, earning a clear yellow card.
Lammens’ Stunning Save!
A corner found McKennie wide open, and despite having ample time for a close-range volley, Lammens made an incredible stop to deny him.
Pulisic’s Effort Lacks Power
Pulisic was presented with a counter-attack opportunity but his shot veered wide.
Saelemaekers’ Shot Over the Bar
De Bruyne’s corner set up Saelemaekers for a rising shot that sailed just over the crossbar. Both sides had chances as the game heated up.
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Lammens Stops Robinson!
After a well-worked corner, Robinson unleashed a low shot that looked set to score, but Lammens was quick to react and made the save.
Pulisic’s Header Goes Awry
A long ball found Weah, who delivered a high cross that Pulisic headed over. A tough chance, but promising for the USMNT.
Belgium Starts Strong
Belgium applied early pressure, creating a few shaky moments for the USMNT defense as they tested the left side through long balls. Doku was particularly effective, keeping Weah on his toes.
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Teams Ready for the National Anthems
The teams are on the field for the national anthems in Atlanta, enhancing the atmosphere with flames and an electrifying guitar rendition of the U.S. anthem. It’s game time!
Both Teams Boast Strong Starting Lineups
Pochettino’s selections feature expected names, although Chris Richards is absent due to injury. The USMNT appears set to employ a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Tim Weah as right back and Mark McKenzie in central defense with Tim Ream. An exciting attacking quartet of McKennie, Tillman, Pulisic, and Balogun is anticipated. On the other side, Belgium’s core includes Kevin De Bruyne as playmaker and Jeremy Doku, a notable threat on the wing. While some depth is lacking defensively, they’re still missing key players like Courtois, Trossard, and Lukaku due to injury.
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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 and Focus
Tyler Adams and Sergino Dest are notable absentees due to injuries, with the latter dealing with ongoing issues which has created competition for the right-back role. With key players like McKennie, Weah, Pulisic, and Balogun fit and available, this squad presents Pochettino with an exciting opportunity. Regular Premier League contributors Brenden Aaronson, Chris Richards, and Antonee Robinson are also present, allowing the USMNT to field a lineup close to what they might use in June for the World Cup opener. Others like Cameron Carter-Vickers, Haji Wright, and Josh Sargent are vying for a World Cup spot but are currently absent, while Ricardo Pepi, Auston Trusty, and Malik Tillman have key opportunities to secure a place on the roster. The goalkeeping position remains competitive, with Matt Freese currently the frontrunner.
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Belgium Team News and Focus
Belgium has experienced withdrawals of Leandro Trossard, Romelu Lukaku, and Thibaut Courtois due to injuries, which is unfortunate for their lineup. Nevertheless, star players like Youri Tielemans, Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, and Senne Lammens are ready to perform. Defensively, they have some gaps but a strong pool of talented young forwards like Lois Openda, Dodi Lukebakio, Alexis Saelemaekers, and Charles De Keteleare, all from top European clubs, who must step up their scoring game.
Preview: USMNT vs Belgium
This match, along with a friendly against Portugal on Tuesday, is significant for the USMNT as they assess their readiness ahead of the World Cup this summer. With a nearly full-strength squad available—a rarity for Pochettino—this contest against a formidable European team will provide insight into the potential of this young American side.
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Belgium has maintained excellence for over a decade, continuously producing top-tier talent. Although this squad may not be the same “Golden Generation” that secured third place in the 2018 World Cup, they still have stalwarts like Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois, along with a mix of emerging talents ready to step into the limelight.
Prediction for USMNT vs Belgium
This matchup promises to be competitive and tense, with the USMNT likely content with a draw. USMNT 1-1 Belgium.
