Belgium defeated the United States 5-2 in an international friendly, handing Mauricio Pochettino’s side a heavy defeat as they continue preparations to co-host the FIFA World Cup 2026, while Mexico and Portugal settled for a 0-0 draw in another friendly match.
The defeat serves as a wake-up call for the USA, coming just 75 days before the World Cup, as the team struggled against top European opposition despite a recent run of good results.
“I see this as a good reality check for us, because now is the moment to feel this type of situation, to improve,” Pochettino said after the game in Atlanta. “We need to improve, of course.”
The USA started brightly and took an early lead through Weston McKennie, who scored to the delight of a packed crowd of 67,000 in Atlanta.
However, Belgium quickly responded after conceding, with goals from Zeno Debast, Amadou Onana, and Charles De Ketelaere, while substitute Dodi Lukebakio scored twice to complete the comeback and secure a dominant victory.
Patrick Agyemang scored a late consolation goal for the USA, who will face Portugal in another high-profile friendly on Tuesday before Pochettino announces his final squad in May.
