USMNT Legend Criticizes Team's Lack of Fight in Loss to Belgium

Landon Donovan questions the mental toughness of Mauricio Pochettino's squad after a 5-2 defeat at home

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:04pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a soccer match, with overlapping planes of players, the field, and the crowd in the official colors of the USMNT and Belgium, conveying the disjointed and chaotic nature of the game.A cubist interpretation of the USMNT's lopsided defeat to Belgium, reflecting the team's lack of fight and cohesion on the pitch.Atlanta Today

U.S. men's national team all-time leading scorer Landon Donovan criticized the USMNT's performance in a 5-2 loss to Belgium, questioning the team's mental strength and lack of fight. Donovan was particularly concerned by the team's limp collapse in the second half, saying he was 'blown away' by the lack of aggression and pride shown by the players.

Why it matters

The USMNT is co-hosting the World Cup in just three months, and this lopsided defeat at home raises serious concerns about the team's readiness and mentality heading into the tournament. Donovan's harsh assessment highlights the need for Pochettino to instill a stronger competitive spirit in his players if they hope to succeed on the global stage.

The details

The USMNT started the match against Belgium brightly, taking an early lead. However, the visitors equalized just before halftime and then ran roughshod over the home team in the second half, scoring four unanswered goals. Donovan was particularly disturbed by the lack of fight shown by the USMNT players, noting the team was not whistled for a single foul or yellow card in the second half despite being thoroughly outclassed.

  • The match took place on Saturday, March 25, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
  • The USMNT will face Portugal in their final pre-World Cup friendly on Tuesday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Landon Donovan

A former U.S. men's national team all-time leading scorer who is now a prominent soccer analyst.

Mauricio Pochettino

The current head coach of the U.S. men's national team, who is preparing the squad for the upcoming World Cup co-hosted by the United States.

Jérémy Doku

A Belgian forward who terrorized the USMNT defense for much of the match.

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What they’re saying

“Care's not the right word. It's not that they don't care, but maybe they don't have enough pride. Maybe that's the way I need to say it.”

— Landon Donovan, USMNT Legend

“I would have been mortified to be losing a home game three months before the World Cup with 70,000 people there. I would have been unbelievably embarrassed losing 4–1 and 5–1, forget it. I probably would have got sent off.”

— Landon Donovan, USMNT Legend

What’s next

The USMNT will face Portugal in their final pre-World Cup friendly on Tuesday, March 28, 2026, which will provide another opportunity to assess the team's readiness and mental toughness ahead of the tournament.

The takeaway

Landon Donovan's scathing critique of the USMNT's lack of fight and pride in the loss to Belgium highlights the urgent need for Mauricio Pochettino to instill a stronger competitive mentality in his players if they hope to succeed at the upcoming World Cup. The team's defensive vulnerabilities and inability to respond to adversity are major concerns that must be addressed.