USMNT suffers heavy loss to Belgium in World Cup tune-up

Defensive lapses and Jeremy Doku's brilliance expose U.S. team's weaknesses ahead of major tournament

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:38am

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The U.S. Men's National Soccer Team suffered a disappointing 5-2 defeat against Belgium in a high-profile friendly match, raising concerns about the team's defensive vulnerabilities and preparedness for the upcoming World Cup. The Belgian winger Jeremy Doku was the standout performer, tormenting the U.S. backline with his skill and pace.

Why it matters

The lopsided loss to a top European opponent comes at a crucial time for the USMNT, as they look to fine-tune their tactics and lineup ahead of the World Cup. The defensive issues exposed in this match will be a major focus for the coaching staff as they work to shore up the team's weaknesses before the tournament.

The details

The U.S. team fell behind early and struggled to contain the Belgian attack, particularly the dazzling runs and dribbling of 24-year-old winger Jeremy Doku. The young star scored twice and set up another goal, exposing gaps in the American defense. Despite a late rally that saw the U.S. score twice, the damage had already been done, and Belgium cruised to a comfortable victory.

  • The match took place on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
  • It was a high-profile friendly for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup.

The players

Jeremy Doku

A 24-year-old Belgian winger who starred for his national team, scoring two goals and providing an assist in the match.

USMNT

The United States Men's National Soccer Team, who suffered a heavy defeat against Belgium in this World Cup tune-up match.

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What they’re saying

“If it needs to happen, let it happen now. We'd rather have these kinds of lessons in a friendly than in the World Cup.”

— Gregg Berhalter, USMNT Head Coach

What’s next

The USMNT will continue their World Cup preparations with additional friendlies and training camps in the coming months, as they look to address the defensive issues exposed in this match.

The takeaway

This heavy defeat against Belgium serves as a wake-up call for the USMNT, highlighting the need to shore up their defensive organization and better prepare for the challenges they will face at the upcoming World Cup. The team will need to learn from this painful lesson and make the necessary adjustments to be competitive on the global stage.