In a surprising turn of events, Belgium defeated the USA 5-2 in a friendly match held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. This result marks a significant setback for the U.S. men’s national team, especially as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup.
Weston McKennie opened the scoring for the USA in the 39th minute, giving the home team a brief sense of hope. However, Zeno Debast equalized for Belgium just before halftime, shifting the momentum in favor of the visitors.
The second half saw Belgium unleash a flurry of goals, scoring three times in a rapid 15-minute span. Amadou Onana found the net in the 53rd minute, followed by Charles De Ketelaere converting a penalty in the 59th minute. Dodi Lukebakio then added two more goals in the 68th and 82nd minutes, sealing the match for Belgium.
This defeat is particularly notable for the USA, as it ended a five-game unbeaten streak. The last time the USA lost by three goals at home after scoring first was in 1959, underscoring the significance of this loss.
Christian Pulisic, who has not scored for the USMNT since 2024, expressed his disappointment, stating, “Of course, I’m disappointed. I have to finish my chances.” Meanwhile, goalkeeper Matt Turner acknowledged the team’s defensive shortcomings, saying, “We didn’t defend our box well enough.”
Belgium, despite their victory, was missing several key players due to injuries, which raises questions about the team’s depth as they prepare for future competitions.
Looking ahead, the USA will face Portugal in their next match, where they will need to regroup and address the defensive issues that were exposed against Belgium. Coach Mauricio Pochettino described the match as “a good reality check for us,” emphasizing the need for improvement.
As the USMNT continues its preparations for the World Cup, observers will be keen to see how they respond to this setback and what adjustments will be made in the upcoming fixtures.
