Belgium mauls USA
Belgium dismantled the USA 5‑2 in Atlanta — a high‑scoring friendly that pundits flagged as exposing clear defensive issues for the hosts. The match recap and fan clips circulated widely on X, with questions already being asked about the US backline selection. (x.com)
Mercedes‑Benz Stadium hosted the match on March 28, 2026 with an announced crowd of 66,867 in attendance. (ussoccer.com) Weston McKennie opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Zeno Debast (45'), Amadou Onana (53'), Charles De Ketelaere (59' pen), and Dodi Lukebakio (68', 82') turned the game around; Patrick Agyemang added a late U.S. goal in the 87th minute. (espn.com) Belgium ran off four unanswered goals after halftime, with Lukebakio scoring a brace after coming on in the 62nd minute and De Ketelaere converting a penalty created by a handball from U.S. captain Tim Ream. (espn.com) Christian Pulisic earned his 83rd cap in the starting XI while Antonee "Jedi" Robinson made his first international appearance in 495 days after a 2025 absence, and goalkeeper Matt Turner was making his first appearance since last June. (ussoccer.com) The Belgian side is managed by Rudi Garcia, who took the job in January 2025 and insisted after the win that the scoreline was harsher than the match warranted. (espn.com) Mauricio Pochettino described the result as "painful" but framed it as a learning moment, and the two March friendlies serve as final auditions before the U.S. roster is revealed at a live event in New York City on May 26. (beinsports.com)
