USMNT and Belgium set for 2026 international friendly

Projected lineups for the upcoming match between the two national teams

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:18pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, breaking a soccer match down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes. Players' forms are abstracted into dynamic, angular shapes, with the ball and field blending into a vibrant, kaleidoscopic composition.An abstract, cubist interpretation of the upcoming USMNT vs. Belgium friendly, capturing the dynamic energy and high-stakes clash between the two national teams.Atlanta Today

The USMNT and Belgium are set to face off in an international friendly on March 28, 2026 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The match will be the seventh meeting between the two teams, with Belgium currently leading the series 5-1. Both teams are preparing for the 2026 World Cup, with the USMNT in Group D and Belgium in Group G.

Why it matters

This friendly will be an important test for both teams as they gear up for the 2026 World Cup. The USMNT will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing showing in the previous World Cup, while Belgium's golden generation will be hoping to finally capture an international trophy before their careers wind down.

The details

The USMNT will be without key defenders Miles Robinson and Chris Richards due to injury, forcing head coach Mauricio Pochettino to shuffle his lineup. Belgium, led by star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, will be looking to continue their dominance over the Americans and build momentum ahead of the World Cup.

  • The match is scheduled for March 28, 2026 at 3:30 PM ET.
  • This will be the seventh meeting between the USMNT and Belgium, with the first coming in 1994.

The players

Mauricio Pochettino

Head coach of the USMNT, tasked with leading the team to success in the 2026 World Cup.

Rudi García

Head coach of the Belgian national team, aiming to guide the country's golden generation to an elusive international trophy.

Kevin De Bruyne

Star midfielder for the Belgian national team, considered one of the best players in the world.

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What they’re saying

“We have some key players missing due to injury, but this is a great opportunity for others to step up and prove themselves ahead of the World Cup.”

— Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT Head Coach

“This could be one of the last chances for our golden generation to win a major trophy. We're determined to make the most of it.”

— Rudi García, Belgian National Team Head Coach

What’s next

The USMNT and Belgium will both continue their preparations for the 2026 World Cup, with the draw for the tournament set to take place in the coming months.

The takeaway

This friendly between the USMNT and Belgium is a crucial test for both teams as they gear up for the 2026 World Cup. The match will provide valuable insight into the strengths and weaknesses of each squad, and could set the tone for their respective campaigns in the tournament.