The USMNT returns to action today, Saturday, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side taking on a key test that will serve as a benchmark ahead of the final preparations for the World Cup. The opponent is Belgium, currently ranked ninth in the FIFA world rankings.

Belgium’s Red Devils will be without one of their biggest stars, Romelu Lukaku, who was ruled out ahead of these matches on U.S. soil against the USMNT and Mexico.

Pochettino will be looking for his team to replicate the strong performances from the final FIFA window of 2025, when they impressed against Paraguay and Uruguay. Now, against higher-level opposition, the aim will be to show they can match that standard.

For the Argentine coach and the USMNT, there is bad news on the defensive front. The team will be without two key pieces, Chris Richards and Miles Robinson, both sidelined with injuries that could also rule them out of Tuesday’s match against Portugal.

However, there is reason for optimism. Pochettino will still have several key players available, particularly in midfield, where Weston McKennie and Johnny Cardoso are expected to start.

For the United States, securing a positive result against Belgium will be crucial to build confidence ahead of the Portugal game on Tuesday, and especially before the final two pre-World Cup matches against Senegal and Germany.

How could the USMNT line up against Belgium?

Sticking with the system that has produced results in recent matches, Pochettino is expected to roll out his 3-4-3 formation, which has delivered encouraging performances so far.

Matt Freese is set to start in goal, having established himself as a reliable and trusted option for the USMNT.

With Richards and Robinson unavailable, the back line is expected to feature Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream and Alex Freeman. Ahead of them, the midfield four would include wing-backs Antonee Robinson and Tim Weah, who is comfortable in the role.

In central midfield, Johnny Cardoso and/or Tanner Tessmann are likely options, while further forward Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun and Tim Weah could lead the attack, depending on whether Freeman is pushed higher or another center back is introduced.

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