USA vs Belgium: A Friendly Match Update

On March 28, 2026, the USA faced Belgium in a highly anticipated friendly match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This encounter was crucial for both teams as they prepared for the upcoming World Cup.

The USA entered the match with an unbeaten streak of five games, hoping to maintain their momentum. However, Belgium, who topped Group J in World Cup qualifying without losing a game, proved to be a formidable opponent.

In the first half, Christian Pulisic put the USA on the scoreboard with a goal in the 39th minute. The lead was short-lived as Belgium equalized just before halftime, with Zeno Debast finding the net in the 45th minute.

The second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum. Belgium took the lead in the 53rd minute and extended their advantage with a penalty goal in the 59th minute. Dodi Lukebakio added to the tally with a goal in the 68th minute, bringing Belgium’s total to five.

Despite the loss, Weston McKennie also scored for the USA, contributing to their two-goal tally. The match ended with a score of 5-2 in favor of Belgium.

This match was particularly significant as it marked the first time the USA faced a European nation since their victory over Canada at the 2022 World Cup. The U.S. men’s national team aimed to leverage these spring friendlies to reinforce their positive momentum.

Belgium’s coach, Rudi Garcia, managed a lineup filled with stars, including Jeremy Doku and Amadou Onana, showcasing the depth of talent available even amidst key injuries.

As both teams look ahead to the World Cup, this friendly served as a critical test for the USA, highlighting areas for improvement against a strong opponent.

In summary, the USA’s loss to Belgium in this friendly match underscores the challenges they face as they prepare for the World Cup. The performance of players like Pulisic and McKennie will be crucial in the upcoming tournaments.