The United States men’s national team faced a challenge in its World Cup preparations as Belgium dominated in the second half, securing a decisive 5-2 victory at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday.
Weston McKennie gave the U.S. an early advantage with the first goal in the 39th minute, converting an Antonee Robinson corner at the back post.
However, Zeno Debast netted a long-range equalizer for Belgium just before halftime, and the No. 9-ranked visitors added three more goals in a 14-minute stretch during the second half, overwhelming Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.
Amadou Onana’s goal was followed by a penalty from Charles De Ketelaere, and Dodi Lukebakio capped off the scoring with a curling shot into the top corner of Matt Turner’s net.
Lukebakio scored his second and Belgium’s fifth in the 82nd minute, leading to early departures from some spectators, before substitute Patrick Agyemang netted a late consolation for the U.S.
This outcome ended a five-match unbeaten streak for the U.S., which had matched the best run of Pochettino’s time in charge.
The USMNT will aim to regain momentum against another top European side when they take on Portugal back in Atlanta on Tuesday. This match will be the final opportunity for Pochettino to evaluate his players prior to finalizing his roster for the World Cup at the end of May.
The U.S., co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico, will begin its World Cup journey against Paraguay on June 12 in Inglewood, California.
Injuries to SergiΓ±o Dest, Chris Richards, and Miles Robinson left the 15th-ranked U.S. short-handed defensively, while midfielder Tyler Adams was also unavailable.
Pochettino gave Turner his first start in goal since last June, while Robinson made his return for the first time since November 18, 2024, due to injury.
