USMNT and Belgium Reveal Starting Lineups for World Cup Warm-Up Match

The US Men's National Team hosts Belgium in a high-profile friendly ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:34pm

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The US Men's National Team and Belgium have named their starting lineups for a crucial World Cup warm-up match at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The USMNT, led by manager Mauricio Pochettino, are on a strong run of form and boast more players at Champions League clubs than ever before. Belgium, under manager Rudi Garcia, are also undefeated in their last several matches, including wins over Wales in World Cup qualifying. This match will be an important test for both teams as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup, which the US is hosting.

Why it matters

This match between the USMNT and Belgium is a high-profile friendly that will give both teams a chance to evaluate their squads and tactics ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The US is hosting the World Cup, so this match will be an important gauge of where the national team stands against one of the top contenders. A strong performance could boost the USMNT's confidence, while a loss would raise questions about their readiness for the tournament.

The details

Mauricio Pochettino has named a strong USMNT lineup that includes several players who compete at the Champions League level for their club teams. Belgium manager Rudi Garcia has also selected a formidable starting XI, featuring many of the country's top talents. Both teams will be looking to gain an advantage ahead of the World Cup, with the USMNT hoping to throw down the gauntlet before facing other tough opponents like Portugal, Senegal, and Germany in the coming months.

  • The match will take place on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The players

Mauricio Pochettino

The manager of the US Men's National Team, who has led the squad to a strong run of form leading up to the 2026 World Cup.

Rudi Garcia

The manager of the Belgian national team, who has guided them to an undefeated stretch in the second half of 2025, including wins over Wales in World Cup qualifying.

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What they’re saying

“This match against Belgium will be a great test for our team as we continue our preparations for the World Cup. We're facing one of the top contenders, so it will be a chance to see where we stand and identify any areas we need to improve.”

— Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT Manager

“Belgium has a talented squad, but we're confident in our abilities and are looking forward to the challenge of facing the USMNT on their home soil. This is an important warm-up match for us as we get ready for the World Cup.”

— Rudi Garcia, Belgium National Team Manager

What’s next

The USMNT and Belgium will face off in their World Cup warm-up match on March 28, 2026 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The result of this match will provide valuable insights for both teams as they continue their preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

The takeaway

This high-profile friendly between the USMNT and Belgium is an important test for both teams as they gear up for the 2026 World Cup. The match will give the US a chance to measure itself against one of the top contenders, while also providing Belgium with valuable experience playing in a World Cup host nation. The outcome could have significant implications for the teams' confidence and preparations leading into the tournament.