USMNT 2-5 Belgium summary: score, goals, highlights | International friendly
The USMNT’s World Cup 2026 preparations are off to a disappointing start with a heavy defeat to Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
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USMNT vs Belgium: international friendly as it happened
USMNT 2-5 Belgium: Full-time summary
An odd game in Atlanta, where the USMNT were the better team in the first half. Belgium goalkeeper Lammens was forced into making fine stops from Robinson, McKennie and Balogun before McKennie himself volleyed in a corner from close range. The hosts deserved their lead at that point, although it was short-lived as Belgium finished strongly before halftime, Debast blasting in a superb leveller from distance.
The second half, though, was a completely different story. Belgium quickly got into their rhythm and capitalized with two goals in six minutes, De Ketelaere scoring from the penalty spot after Onana had rolled his team into the lead. Lukébakio come off the bench to curl in a brilliant fourth, after which it looked as if the game would peter out. However, things picked up again in the last 10 minutes, the substitute doubling his personal tally with a close-range finish. Agyemang made the most of a Tielemans error to make the scoreline respectable, but what initially looked set to be a promising night for the USA turned into a harrowing experience.
USMNT vs Portugal on Tuesday, March 31
If today's result hasn't put you off, the USMNT are back in pre-World Cup friendly action against Cristiano Ronaldo-less Portugal on Tuesday, March 31. Be sure to join us for live text coverage of that one, which kicks off at 7pm ET. We'll have things up and running around 90 minutes before that.
Also stay tuned to AS USA for all the fallout from the USMNT's defeat to Belgium, of which there will inevitably be plenty!
Food for thought for Pochettino and USMNT
For now, there's plenty of food for thought for Mauricio Pochettino and the USMNT, who had gone into the game on a high after a five-game unbeaten streak. That comes to an end in the first game of 2026, which is the first of four friendlies before the World Cup.
With a clash against Portugal coming up, fans are unlikely to be overly confident of the USA rediscovering their momentum in this international break. The mood around the team had been positive but poor results at the wrong time could spell disaster with the tournament less than three months away. The second-half capitulation after a promising first half leaves Pochettino looking for answers to question he hadn't been asking.
If you fancy watching the USMNT's next opponents in action, by the way, the Mexico vs Portugal clash I mentioned before the game gets underway at 10pm ET. Here’s how you can follow that matchup, courtesy of the one and only Will Allen.
Fans in Atlanta vote with their feet after poor second half
Perhaps another worrying aspect of the game was how many fans were left towards the end when it was clear the USMNT were going to be on the end of a heavy defeat. There were huge swathes of empty seats in Atlanta, which is never a great look. Especially for a country about to host a World Cup in less than three months.
Just in case you were wondering... At one stage in the second half, it looked as if things might get seriously ugly for the USMNT, who went 5-1 down and almost conceded a sixth. In the end, a three-goal defeat isn't a scandal, just a huge disappointment.
Portugal up next for the USMNT...
After a 5-2 defeat, you might think the last thing you'd one is to face one of the world's most lethal attacking teams. At least Cristiano Ronaldo won't be playing...
The USMNT host the Portuguese at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Tuesday.
USMNT 2-5 Belgium: Full time
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is that. A humbling defeat for the USMNT I'm afraid.
Agyemang acrobatics!
Agyemang almost finishes with a flourish! The striker chests a volley up into the air and attempts an acrobatic volley, which flies wide!
Almost a chance there for Belgium as De Cat, who is only 17, turns neatly in the box and rolls the ball across the face of goal. It would have been a tap-in if there had been someone at the back post, but there wasn't.
Maybe not. Both teams have had some spells of possession but aren't going anywhere in a hurry.
Five minutes of injury time
Five minutes to go. I fancy another goal in this one!
GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAL USMNT! AGYEMANG! 2-5
A ridiculous goal for Belgium to lose, but a bright spot for the USMNT!
Turner saves from Openda!
That could easily have been six. Openda's angled shot looks destined for the bottom corner, only for Turner to come to the USMNT's rescue this time.
Yellow card for Scally
Seconds before that Lukábakio goal, Joe Scally was shown a yellow card after cynically pulling back Mika Godts.
Hold on, this could be flagged offside...
GOOOOOOOAAAAAL BELGIUM! LUKÉBAKIO! 1-5
Oh, dear. This is getting ugly.
Sight of goal for Agyemang!
Almost a consolation for the USMNT! Agyemang looks as if he might get onto the end of a high ball at the back post but he can't get his header on target under pressure.
As predicted, the substitutions have completely disrupted the flow of what had been a really good game. Very little has happened since the fourth Belgian goal and the hydration break.
Tielemans cleaned out by referee
Even the referee has taken pity on the USMNT, it seems. The man in the middle wipes out Tielemans in midfield as the Belgian attempts to get to a loose bal.
Belgium subs: De Brune and Witsel off
Thankfully for the USMNT, De Bruyne and Doku have gone off. The experienced duo of Tielemans and Witsel are now on for Belgium, along with more three more subs.
The USMNT are going to have to be careful this doesn't get silly, especially with Pulisic and McKennie having now made way.
USMNT changes: Pulisic and McKennie off
On: Agyemang, Pepi, Reyna, Scally
Off: Tillman, Pulisic, Balogun, McKennie
Another hydration break comes and goes
Just when you thought things couldn't get any worse, another hydration break comes along immediately after that goal. Thankfully, it's over and I can now get back to informing you about another raft of substitutions!
GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAL BELGIUM! LUKÉBAKIO! 1-4
And just as I say that, Lukébakio scores the goal of the game!
This game has completely turned on its head since half time.
USMNT substitutions
The USMNT have also made three substitutions, with Arfetsen, Freeman and Berhalter on for Robinson, Weah and Tessmann.
Belgium substitutions
On: Seys, Ngoy, Lukebakio, Openda
Off: De Cuyper, Debast, Saelemaekers, De Ketelaere.
This is where things could start to get messy. Belgium have now made four substitutions, which I'll relay to you in just a moment.
GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAL BELGIUM! DE KETELAERE! 1-3
Cool as the proverbial cucumber.
Penalty for Belgium!
Handball by Tim Ream.
Penalty check for Belgium
Uh oh. Belgium could be getting a penalty here. Ream tried to block that Meunier header I just described but may have touched it with his hand.
Turner double save!
Almost a third for Belgium! Doku and De Ketelaere combine for the former to force a close-range save from Turner, who pushed the follow-up header from Meunier over the bar!
Weah lashes wide!
The USMNT immediately try to get back on level terms but that won't cut it. Weah lashes hopelessly wide from an angle, he totally lashed at that one.
GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAL BELGIUM! ONANA! 1-2
The calmest of calm finishes from the Belgian midfielder!
Pulisic blazes over!
Ah, that was so, so good from Pulisic until the finish! The Milan star picks up Weah's prod into the box, brilliantly shimmies past two Belgium players and must score... except he doesn't! Row Z isn't far enough back.
The USA are doing all of the attacking in the early part of the second half. Some easy-on-the-eye stuff being played.
Just in case it wasn't clear, the second half has begun in Atlanta! Here we go again.
That's got to hurt! Tessmann smashes into Saelemaekers as Belgium look to launch a counter attack. Sign him up for the Falcons.
Roldan on for Cardoso
Right on cue, Roldan will play the second half for the USMNT instead of Cardoso.
Eleven substitutions allowed
I should probably warm you that both teams have agreed that they can make up to 11 substitutions in the game. None have been made so far, but expect to see plenty in the second half.
USMNT 1-1 Belgium: first-half summary
The USMNT will be happy with their display in the first half. Pochettino's team looked sharp, they looked lively and forced Belgium keeper Lammens into several good saves. Robinson, McKennie and Balogun all went close before McKennie himself eventually found the net from a corner.
Belgium threatened in fits and starts, with Doku always looking to jink past Weah and get into the box and De Bruyne lingering at the edge of the box. Their efforts on goal were less dangerous, up until Debast's excellent long-range effort before half time.
Debast blast brings Belgium level
It wasn't De Bruyne, it wasn't Doku, it wasn't Lukaku (who isn't even in the United States). Zeno Debast was the unlikely goalscorer for Belgium, getting his first goal for his country on his 25th appearance. The central defender plays for Sporting CP in Portugal, having come through the ranks at Anderlecht in Belgium.
McKennie opens the scoring for the USMNT
This was Weston McKennie's first goal for the USMNT since 2023, but his 12th since making his debut for his country in 2017.
Half time: USMNT 1-1 Belgium
A very entertaining first half, that hydration break aside. The USMNT were on top for much of it and had the best of the chances, but Belgium finished very strongly.
Turner saves from Saelemaekers!
De Bruyne floats a corner out to Saelemaekers, whose sweet first-time volley is parried by Turner!
Three extra minutes
Almost exclusively due to the hydration break.
Of course, as soon as I said that about Doku, he played a key role in setting up the equalizer. The winger drifted inside and fired a fierce effort on goal, which Turner did well to fist away as far as Debast. Nobody thought he score from 30 yards out, maybe not even the man himself, but he found the bottom corner!
GOOOOOOOAL BELGIUM! DEBAST! 1-1!
A blast from Debast from long range!
Doku looks to be the main danger man for Belgium, although I often think he bark is worse than his bite. Weah has done well against him so far.
That's another teasing ball in from Robison and McKennie almost gets on the end of it again! This time, Onana gets it away before any more harm is done to the Belgians.
De Bruyne goes close!
Belgium are looking to strike back immediately! De Bruyne has a shot blocked from the edge of the area and, within seconds, sees another attempt flick off a teammate and just wide!
GOOOOOOAAAAAAL USMNT! MCKENNIE!
A well-deserved opening goal for the hosts and McKennie is the man who gets it!
De Ketelaere goal disallowed for handball
De Ketelaere was the man who got the ball over the line after Doku's run down the left, but the ball came off the forward's hand after Turner had pushed it out.
Belgium goal ruled out!
Belgium have the ball in the net! But it's not going to count!
A slightly lull in play as the USMNT keep the ball for a bit. Maybe it's hotter than we thought after all...
Fans predictions
Our man at the stadium, Will Gittins, got some predictions from the fans...
It looks as if there's going to be another promising attack for the hosts but McKennie's attempt to outpace Debast doesn't work out as he'd hoped.
The U.S. have definitely had the better of the chances so far. Robinson (not Tessman, as I said earlier), McKennie and Balogun have all given Lammens serious work to do. Turner has thrown his imaginary hat on Belgium's only shot on target from Saelemaekers.
Balogun shot saved!
That looked like it was destined for the bottom corner! Belgium make a mess of clearing the ball and it's presented to Balogun, who looks for the corner but can't quite get it past Lammens.
Excellent wing play from Weah gets him past De Cuyper and his cross is just flicked away from McKennie before it reaches him in the middle.
Saelemaekers shot saved!
In truth it was an easy stop for Turner. A nice layoff from De Ketelaere gave Saelemaekers a sight of goal, but his low shot didn't cause the USMNT keeper too much trouble.
De Bruyne shot blocked!
We've seen De Bruyne score from that position just inside the box on countless occasions but this time his strike is blocked by U.S. shirt just when it looked as if he might find the net.
Injury time and late finishes
We have to assume we're also going to have to get used to lots of injury time and later-than-usual finishes, as a result of these hydration breaks.
Play back underway
Thankfully, play has restarted and we can forget about hydration breaks until the next one, scheduled for midway through the second half.
In case you're wondering what it's all about, FIFA have decided there will be hydration breaks in every game at the World Cupregardless of the temperature and weather. It's being trialed in this week's games in the United States and hasn't gone especially well so far. Boos from some of the crowd in attendance in Atalanta.
Hydration break
That's right, folks, you'd better get used to this... A hydration break after 20 minutes in a fully air-conned stadium...
Weah stops Doku
That's brilliant defending from Weah. Doku looks to twist the American inside out, as he tends to do, but Weah sticks to his task and wins a goal kick off the Belgian winger.
McKennie yellow card
It might be a friendly, but that's not going to stop our the referee from handing out cards, it seems. McKennie is first in the book for pulling Doku back by the shorts.
Debast shoots wide!
The chances are flowing thick and fast here! Belgium work a shooting opportunity for Debast, who blasts a yard or two wide from 25 yards or so.
Huge chance for McKennie!
How did McKennie not score there?? Pulisic's corner is flicked on by Tessmann and makes its way to the back post to McKennie, whose volley is somehow blocked by Lammens. A great save!
A nice passage of play from the USMNT involving Pulisic, Robison and Balogun down the left. Another corner for the hosts.
Pulisic shoots wide!
That's not one of his better ones... Pulisic picks up the ball just inside the Belgium half, strides forward completely unchallenged to the edge of the box and shoots...! He won't want to see that one again.
Pulisic gives away a soft free kick on Doku and gives De Bruyne a chance to deliver into a dangerous area, but Ream gets his head to the veteran's ball in.
Belgium have knitted a few passes together for the first time. An ominous sign, perhaps, for the USMNT.
Saelemaekers goes close!
A flurry of chances all of a sudden! This time it's at the other end, with Saelemaekers shooting narrowly over from just inside the box!
Lammens saves from Tessmann!
That was a really well worked corner! Tillman and Pulisic combine to tee up a strike for Tessmann, whose long-range strike is pushed to safety by Lammens! The best effort so far!
The USA have picked up after a slow start! Robinson threatens to get in on the left again, wins a corner.
First USMNT chance for Pulisic!
Tillman sends what looked to be a hopeful high ball down the right wing for Weah to chance. The Juventus man gets to it before it goes out, hoists it into the box but Pulisic can't keep his header down.
Just as I said that, Robinson gets down the left flank and sticks the ball into the Belgium box for the first time. It's cleared easily, but the first signs of life from the hosts.
The USMNT haven't really got going yet.
First shot on goal from Belgium!
Meunier gets down the right flank and his cross is cleared to the edge of the box to Raskin, who blazes well, well over the bar.
De Ketelaere is first to threaten for Belgium! He gets in behind the U.S. defense but is crowded out.
USMNT vs Belgium underway!
Peeeeeeeeep. Off we go in Atlanta!
Kickoff imminent!
Ready to go? Strap yourselves in!
Who performed the U.S. national anthem before USMNT vs Belgium?
Local musician Aidan Fisher was the man with the guitar. Probably not what most were expecting...
Unusual U.S. national anthem...
I probably don't need to go into too much detail when it comes to the U.S. anthem. Except this time it's being performed on the electric guitar with no lyrics, which looks to have seriously confused the American team, who aren't sure whether to sing along or not.
Belgian national anthem
An upbeat little number from Belgians. Kevin De Bruyne is very much not a singer. I'm sure it's giving him all the feels inside.
We've still got the anthems to get through, so we're going to get underway a little late. But it'll be worth waiting for.
Moments from kick off!
The teams are in the tunnel and will be making their way out onto the field at Mercedes-Benz stadium momentarily!
High-profile stars miss USMNT vs Belgium
Tyler Adams and Thibaut Courtois would have been two of the biggest stars on show had they been playing, but they're not. Another little look at why they are absent for the USMNT and Belgium respectively, just in case you've just joined us.
Belgium team to play USMNT: De Bruyne captains Red Devils
Lammens; Meunier, Debast, Mechele, De Cuyper; Raskin, Onana; Doku, De Bruyne, Saelemaekers; De Ketelaere.
USMNT team to play Belgium: Adams out injured
Turner; Weah, McKenzie, Ream, Robinson; Tessmann, Cardoso; McKennie, Tillman, Pulisic; Balogun.
USMNT vs Belgium: 10 minutes until kick off!
Actually, it's a little less than that. It's probably time to have another little look at how the teams will line up in Atlanta.
The United States and Belgium have only ever faced one another or four occasions. The Red Devils have won the last three, with the U.S. not coming out on top since a meeting in the 1930 World Cup.
Jul. 2014: Belgium 2-1 USMNT, World Cup
May 2013: USMNT 2-4 Belgium, friendly
Sep. 2011: Belgium 1-0 USMNT, friendly
Jul. 1930: USMNT 3-0 Belgium, World Cup
Frida and Will have a little more on those previous matchups.
When did USMNT and Belgium last meet?
The last time the USMNT and Belgium played each other was in the round of 16 of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The Europeans edged a narrow game 2-1, which former American international Tab Ramos looks back on with regret, given the talent the US had at its disposal.
One man who does believe the USMNT can go far at World Cup 2006 is head coach Mauricio Pochettino. To be fair, if he doesn't think it, then who would? The Argentine has even set his sights on getting his hands on the iconic golden trophy itself, as he told the press earlier this month.
USMNT head out for Atlanta warmup!
The clock is ticking... I make it less than 20 minutes until kickoff in Atlanta! The Stars and Stripes are out and sharpening up for action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
USMNT’s World Cup record
The United States have played in 12 of the 22 previous World Cups, hosting in 1994, of course. They failed to get out of the group stage four times, while their best performance remains reaching the quarterfinals in Korea and Japan in 2002.
Can they improve upon that this summer? It'll be a big ask.
Belgium: Last five results
Sep. 7: Belgium 6-0 Kazakhstan
Oct. 10: Belgium 0-0 North Macedonia
Oct. 13: Wales 2-4 Belgium
Nov. 15: Kazakhstan 1-1 Belgium
Nov. 18: Belgium 7-0 Liechtenstein
USMNT: Last five results
Sep. 9: USMNT 2-0 Japan
Oct. 10: USMNT 1-1 Ecuador
Oct. 14: USMNT 2-1 Australia
Nov. 15: USMNT 2-1 Paraguay
Nov. 18: USMNT 5-1 Paraguay
It's World Cup year, and the United States is one of the hosts of said World Cup. That can only mean one thing, pressure for the USMNT, right? Coach Mauricio Pochettino admits it's there, but is doing everything in his power to make sure it boosts his team’s performance rather than hampers it, as he explained to the media on Friday.
Half an hour until USMNT vs Belgium kick off!
There's a little over half an hour to go until kick off in Atlanta, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium is looking rather splendid, I have to say.
World Cup 2026 qualification: Who's in?
As you'll no doubt be aware, there will be 48 teams at the World Cup for the first time ever. Six of the competing nations have yet to be decided, although the lineup will be completed on Tuesday (yes, next week).
Here’s everything you need to know about which teams have already qualified, and who’s still hoping to get there.
Belgium’s World Cup 2026 schedule
June 15: Belgium vs Egypt, Seattle
June 21: Belgium vs Iran, Los Angeles
June 26: Belgium vs New Zealand, Vancouver
Who will Belgium play in World Cup 2026?
Belgium, meanwhile, are in Group G, where they will take on Egypt, New Zealand and Iran, who have threatened to boycott the United States, if not the World Cup as a whole. It remains to be seen whether the Asian side will eventually take part in the tournament.
USMNT’s World Cup 2026 schedule
June 12: USMNT vs Paraguay, Los Angeles
June 19: USMNT vs Australia, Seattle
June 25: USMNT vs Turkey or Kosovo, Los Angeles
Who will the USMNT play in World Cup 2026?
The United States have been handed what you (or at least I) might call a kind draw, in relative terms, for the group stage of the World Cup. They will take on Paraguay, Australia and the winner of a playoff between Turkey and Kosovo in the first round in Group D. Remember, finishing third may be enough to qualify for the round of 32, so it's almost more difficult not to progress (famous last words).
USMNT debuts 'Stripes' jersey
The USMNT are debuting their new ‘Stripes’ home jersey in today's game against Belgium. And yes, in you missed it, the away jersey is ‘Stars’. The clue is in the nickname. What do we think? Memorable, if nothing else.
How Belgium qualified for World Cup 2026
Things were a little trickier for Belgium, who actually had to qualify for the tournament. The Red Devils were unbeaten in their qualification group, winning five and drawing three games against Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein.
Dropped points against North Macedonia (twice) and Kazakhstan meant they made heavier work of qualifying than expected, finishing only two points ahead of Wales. Perhaps a sign they’re not quite at the level they once were.
How the USMNT qualified for World Cup 2026
Er, seriously? In case you've been living on the moon for the last few years, the United States were the first country to qualify, along with Mexico and Canada, when they were announced as one of the tournament co-hosts on June 13, 2018.
A second World Cup for the U.S. after 1994, a third for Mexico after 1970 and 1986, and a first for Canada.
Similarly, you might be surprised to see Lemmens‘ name in the Belgium goal instead of Courtois’. The Real Madrid goalkeeper isn't part of the squad for the games against the USMNT and Mexico. This is why.
Belgium team to play the USMNT: De Bruyne starts
Belgium have also revealed their lineup for today's game, which is thankfully much easier to read at first glance. De Bruyne and Doku are the standout names, while Manchester United's Lammens starts in goal.
Lammens; Meunier, Debast, Mechele, De Cuyper; Raskin, Onana; Doku, De Bruyne, Saelemaekers; De Ketelaere.
In case you just joined us before the lineups and are wondering where on earth Tyler Adams is, yours truly prepared a little something earlier for anyone who happened to find themselves in that situation.
USMNT team to play Belgium
The USMNT have announced their team to face Belgium! A bigger font would have been nice, let's be honest..
Turner; Weah, McKenzie, Ream, Robinson; Tessmann, Cardoso; McKennie, Tillman, Pulisic; Balogun.
A 4-2-3-1 looks most likely.
Belgium squad news: Courtois and Lukaku miss out
As mentioned, the big news from a Belgian perspective is that neither Courtois nor Lukaku is in the squad to face the USMNT. The Real Madrid goalkeeper is set for six weeks on the sidelines because of a thigh injury, while the Napoli striker withdrew as he wants to build up his fitness by training after a recent spell out.
Who coaches Belgium nowadays?
Roberto Martinez, now with Ronaldo and Portugal, is perhaps the most memorable Belgium manager in recent years. A nice guy, although he is ultimately the man responsible for failing to guide the ‘Golden Generation’ to success between 2016 and 2022. Since then Italian Domenico Tedesco and now Frenchman Rudi Garcia have been in charge.
Garcia, who previously managed Roma, Marseille, Lyon, Napoli and Al Nassr, took over in January 2025 and has a 6-3-1 record in his 10 games at the helm.
Belgium transition away from ‘Golden Generation’
For around a decade, the Belgium roster was seriously stacked with top-level players. Kevin De Bruyne. Eden Hazard. Thibaut Courtois. Vincent Kompany. Romelu Lukaku. To name just a few. It’s probably not too controversial to suggest that they underachieved, with a World Cup semifinal in 2018 their best tournament performance.
The Belgium roster for this week’s games only contains De Bruyne, Axel Witsel and Thomas Meunier of the “old guard,” although Courtois and Lukaku were originally selected in the squad. Manchester City’s Jérémy Doku is the standout name of the less-heralded next generation.
USMNT roster to play Belgium (and Portugal)
All things considered, this is now the USMNT roster for today's game against Belgium and Tuesday’s clash with Portugal.
Goalkeepers: Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Matt Turner (New England Revolution)
Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Auston Trusty (Celtic)
Midfielders: Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Johnny Cardoso (Atletico Madrid), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough), Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyon); Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen)
Forwards: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United); Patrick Agyemang (Derby County), Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Tim Weah (Olympique Marseille)
Thankfully, those injuries sustained by Richards and Robinson don't look to be anything too serious. The majestic Joe Brennan is here to give you some more information on what struck the defensive duo down.
USMNT squad news: Adams misses Belgium clash
The big news for the USMNT is that there's no Tyler Adams on the roster because of a quad injury. On top of that, Mauricio Pochettino suffered a double injury blow earlier this week by defenders Chris Richards and Miles Robinson being forced to withdraw from the squad.
Tim Ream, Mark McKenzie, and Auston Trusty are now the only available central defenders in Pochettino’s squad.
No Cristiano Ronaldo against USMNT on Tuesday
American fans how to catch of glimpse of Cristiano Ronaldo in Tuesday's game against Portugal will be left feeling disappointed. The former Real Madrid icon hasn’t made the trip across the pond for his country’s March games. Our very own Will Allen explains why you’ll have to wait until this summer to see CR7 stateside.
USMNT vs Portugal on Tuesday
The United States are also back in action on Tuesday, when they will go up against Portugal, again in Atlanta.
That will be the second of four pre-World Cup friendlies for the USMNT, who complete their preparations by taking on Senegal in Charlotte on May 31 and Germany in Chicago on June 6.
This week’s U.S. friendlies: France, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Portugal in action
And there are yet more pre-World Cup friendlies coming up across the country in the next few days. France and Brazil swap opponents in more Road to 26 games, with Kylian Mbappé and Co taking on Colombia in Landover on Sunday, while Vinícius Júnior's boys face Croatia in Orlando on Tuesday.
Additionally, Mexico, who take on Portugal in Mexico City later today, travel across the border to play against Belgium in Chicago on Tuesday.
If you'd like to whet your appetite for today's game by reading about what went down in that high-profile clash between France and Brazil in Foxborough, then by my guest. Our very own William Allen was all over it and had a blast, by all accounts.
MICHAEL OWENS / Getty Images via AFP
Road to 26: France beat Brazil in stateside pre-World Cup friendly
Before we dive into USMNT vs Belgium, it would be amiss of me not to point out there have already been a couple of World Cup warm-up games played on U.S. soil this week.
France defeated Brazil 2-1 in a star-studded matchup in Foxborough on Thursday, while Croatia edged out Colombia by the same scoreline later that same day in Orlando. Both of those games were part of the Road to 26 series, which USMNT vs Belgium is not.
Of course, you may well still be looking for a way to watch the game. In that's the case, then we’ve got you covered, of course. My esteemed colleagues David Nelson and Bryan Arellano have put together this ever-so-handy guide.
What time does USMNT vs Belgium kick off?
The game in Atalanta gets underway at 3:30 p.m. ET. What better Saturday afternoon plan than to watch the Stars and Stripes properly fall into their World Cup 2026 dream?
I make that around an hour and a half to go until kick-off, plenty of time to sort some drinks and few snacks, and settle in for the action.
USMNT vs Belgium: Hello and welcome!
Hello there! There are fewer than three months to go until the big kick off, so you be forgiven if you've already been struck down by World Cup 2026 fever. Things are now starting to get real for the USMNT, one of the three co-hosts, with Belgium their opponents in the first of four warm-up games before the tournament begins on June 12.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, home to the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL and Atlanta United in MLS, is the venue for today’s game, as well as the USMNT’s other March friendly, which will see them face Portugal on Tuesday, March 31.
I’m Roddy and thanks ever so much for joining me for some pre-World Cup fun!
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