U.S. Men's National Team Suffers Lopsided Loss to Belgium in World Cup Prep

Concerns mount over defensive vulnerabilities ahead of crucial Portugal match

Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:08am

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The U.S. Men's National Team's first match of 2026 ended in a disappointing 5-2 defeat against Belgium in Atlanta. Despite an early goal from Weston McKennie, the Americans conceded five unanswered goals, exposing defensive weaknesses that will worry coach Mauricio Pochettino as he finalizes the World Cup roster.

Why it matters

The heavy loss to Belgium raises serious questions about the USMNT's defensive solidity and ability to respond to adversity, critical factors for success in the upcoming World Cup. Pochettino will need to address these issues quickly, with the final tune-up match against Portugal serving as a crucial last chance to evaluate players before the roster announcement.

The details

Weston McKennie's 39th-minute goal, assisted by Antonee Robinson, gave the U.S. an early lead. However, Belgium quickly equalized before the half through Zeno Debast. The second half saw the Americans concede three more goals from Amadou Onana, Charles De Ketelaere (from a penalty), and a brace from Dodi Lukebakio, exposing defensive vulnerabilities. Patrick Agyemang scored a late consolation goal for the U.S., but the damage was already done.

  • The U.S. Men's National Team's first outing of 2026 took place on Saturday, March 29.
  • The final World Cup roster will be announced on May 26, 2026.

The players

Weston McKennie

A midfielder for the U.S. Men's National Team who scored the opening goal against Belgium.

Antonee Robinson

A defender for the U.S. Men's National Team who made his first appearance since November 2024 following injury recovery and assisted on McKennie's goal.

Zeno Debast

A Belgian defender who equalized for his team just before halftime.

Amadou Onana

A Belgian midfielder who scored one of the goals against the U.S.

Charles De Ketelaere

A Belgian forward who scored a penalty goal against the U.S.

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What they’re saying

“We must address the defensive issues exposed in this match quickly. The Portugal game will be a crucial opportunity to show resilience and discipline.”

— Mauricio Pochettino, Head Coach, U.S. Men's National Team

What’s next

The U.S. Men's National Team will face Portugal on Tuesday, April 1, in their final tune-up match before the World Cup roster is announced on May 26. Coach Pochettino will be closely evaluating the team's defensive performance and ability to bounce back from the Belgium defeat.

The takeaway

The USMNT's lopsided loss to Belgium has raised serious concerns about the team's defensive solidity and ability to respond to adversity, critical factors for success in the upcoming World Cup. The upcoming match against Portugal will be a crucial final audition for players vying for a spot on the final 26-man roster.