United States of America Men’s national team suffers setback in World Cup preparations belgium They came out with a strong second half performance and ran out 5-2 winners at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday.
Weston McKenney He rewarded America with a great start by scoring the first goal in the 39th minute. antony robinson Corner at the back post for his 12th international goal and first in three years.
But xeno debast Belgium scored a long-range equalizer shortly after halftime and the No. 9-ranked visitors exposed some of the defensive weaknesses of Mauricio Pochettino’s side by scoring three more times in the space of 15 minutes in the second half.
amadou onanaPenalty added to strike charles de catelare The first, after a hand ball by US captain Tim Ream. dodi lubakio Most goals scored, with a curling effort into the top corner matt turnerNet of.
Lukebakio scored his second goal and fifth for Belgium in the 82nd minute, prompting some of the largely pro-American crowd of 66,867 to walk out before the substitutes. patrick agyemang Late consolation for America
The result broke a five-match unbeaten streak for the United States, equaling the best performance of Pochettino’s tenure.
Belgium extended its unbeaten streak to 10 matches and has won six consecutive matches against the United States since losing to the Americans in the inaugural World Cup in 1930.
The USMNT will now look to gain some momentum against another major European opponent when they face portugal Back to Atlanta on Tuesday. This will be the final game for Pochettino to assess his players before announcing his roster for the World Cup in late May.
The United States, which is co-hosting the tournament Canada And Mexicobegins its World Cup campaign against paraguay Inglewood, California on June 12.
injuries to sergino destination, chris richards And miles robinson American shorthanded left ranked 15th in defense while being a midfielder tyler adams was also unavailable. As a result, Tim Weah Started at right-back and endured a tough afternoon at the hands of Belgium Manchester City winger jeremy doku.
It was also a disappointing afternoon for former No. 1 U.S. goalkeeper Turner, who featured for the first time since last June. Left-back Antoine Robinson was playing for the first time since November 18, 2024 due to injury.
Belgium was missing a striker Romelu Lukakumidfielder leandro trossard And hans vanken and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois Due to injuries and fitness issues. red devils play Mexico Tuesday in Chicago.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
