USA vs Belgium – News and Probable Lineups

In a repeat of their iconic encounter during the 2014 World Cup, the USA will host Bélgica at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for a friendly match on Saturday.

This will be the first fixture of 2026 for both squads, with the Americans securing a convincing 5-1 victory against Uruguai in their last match last year, while Bélgica thrashed Liechtenstein 7-0.

Match overview

With just months to go until the World Cup, the US men’s team is in excellent form and eager to make a significant statement in the finals this upcoming summer.

Mauricio Pochettino has seen his side win their last three matches of 2025 and remain unbeaten in their previous five outings.

During this period, they managed to concede one goal or fewer each time, and notably did not allow a goal in the second half in their last six international appearances.

This weekend will be the fifth occasion the men’s team plays in Atlanta, with their previous outing at Mercedes-Benz Stadium ending in a 2-1 loss to Panamá in the 2024 Copa America.

They have lost their opening match of a calendar year on two occasions out of three previously, yet they won their first two games of 2025 against Venezuela (3-1) and Costa Rica (3-0).

On Saturday, they have the chance to secure their first victory against European opposition since narrowly defeating Northern Irlanda 2-1 in a friendly in 2021, with the US having lost their last six competitive matches against teams from that continent.

Following a strong performance in 2025, Bélgica enters this year full of belief that they can overcome past criticisms regarding their World Cup performances.

Rudi Garcia seems to have breathed new life into the squad, as he has only lost one match since taking the helm in January 2025 (3-1 to Ucrânia).

The Belgians maintain an unbeaten streak in their last four international matches away from home, with three of those encounters resulting in them conceding one goal or less.

Last year, they went through without a single defeat after giving up the opening goal, drawing against Cazaquistão in November (1-1) and coming back to overcome País de Gales a month prior (4-2).

Saturday will mark their first clash with a CONCACAF team since their 1-0 victory over Canadá at the 2022 World Cup, which was their only matchup with that region this decade.

Since suffering a 3-0 defeat to the US at the 1930 World Cup, the Red Devils have claimed victory in their last five meetings against them, including a memorable 2-1 win at the 2014 World Cup where American goalkeeper Tim Howard set a World Cup record with 16 saves.

Team News

Tyler Adams will miss out due to an MCL injury, while Haji Wright is dealing with a groin issue, Sergino Dest has a hamstring strain, and Roman Celentano is sidelined with a knock.

Christian Pulisic is just two goals shy of tying Eric Wynalda for fourth on the all-time scoring list, while Folarin Balogun earned the title of Mônaco’s Player of the Month for February, finding the net four times, contributing to a total of five goals in his last six club matches.

On the Belgian side, record goalscorer Romelu Lukaku has withdrawn from the squad due to a hamstring issue, while Hans Vanaken and Leandro Trossard are absent due to injuries.

Thibaut Courtois is dealing with a thigh injury sustained during Real Madrid’s recent 2-1 Champions League victory over Manchester City, while Kevin De Bruyne netted six times for Bélgica in 2025, moving ahead of Eden Hazard for second place on the national team’s all-time scoring list.

USA probable starting XI:

Freese; Richards, McKenzie, Trusty; Weah, Tessmann, McKennie, A. Robinson; Pulisic, Aaronson; Balogun

Bélgica probable starting XI:

Salts; Meunier, Mechele, Theate, Castagne; Tielemans, De Bruyne, Raskin; Saelemaekers, The Boilermakers, Doku

Even with the significant injuries that Bélgica is trying to manage, this is a squad packed with players willing to step up and make essential contributions, and we anticipate that their overall experience will be evident on Saturday.