United States Men's National Team Concludes International Friendly Window with Losses to Belgium and Portugal

The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) concluded its March international friendly window with two defeats, losing 5-2 to Belgium and 2-0 to Portugal. Both matches were held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, and served as preparations for the upcoming World Cup, providing coaches an opportunity to evaluate players for the final roster.

The USMNT concluded its March international friendly window with two defeats, losing 5-2 to Belgium and 2-0 to Portugal.

Match Against Belgium

The USMNT played Belgium on Saturday in an international friendly that concluded with a 5-2 victory for Belgium.

The United States scored first in the 39th minute when Weston McKennie converted a close-range shot from a corner kick. Johnny Cardoso and Antonee Robinson were credited with assists on the goal. Belgium equalized in the 45th minute when Zeno Debast scored a low shot past US goalkeeper Matt Turner, following a blocked effort from Jérémy Doku. The halftime score was 1-1.

Belgium scored four additional goals in the second half. Amadou Onana found the net in the 52nd minute, followed by Charles De Ketelaere converting a penalty kick in the 59th minute. Dodi Lukebakio scored in the 68th and 82nd minutes. The USMNT added a second goal in the 87th minute, scored by Patrick Agyemang, resulting in a final score of 5-2.

Christian Pulisic, a forward for the U.S., had three scoring opportunities during the match. US goalkeeper Matt Turner, making his first appearance since November 2024 after an injury, made several saves but conceded five goals. Tim Weah, making his first start as a right-back, was noted for his defensive efforts against Belgium's Jérémy Doku, who frequently challenged on the right flank. Antonee Robinson's corner kick placement was also observed.

The USMNT starting lineup included Matt Turner in goal; Antonee Robinson, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream (captain), and Tim Weah in defense; Johnny Cardoso and Tanner Tessmann in midfield; and Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Malik Tillman, and Folarin Balogun in attacking roles. Belgium's lineup featured players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Charles De Ketelaere, Jérémy Doku, and Alexis Saelemaekers.

Weston McKennie and Patrick Agyemang scored for the USMNT, but Belgium secured a decisive 5-2 victory.

Match Against Portugal

Following the match against Belgium, the USMNT played Portugal in another friendly on Tuesday, also at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, losing 2-0. This result marked the USMNT's eighth consecutive defeat against European opponents.

Portugal secured the victory with goals from Francisco Trincão in the 37th minute and João Félix approximately 15 minutes into the second half. Trincão's goal originated from Alex Freeman losing possession, followed by a pass from Vitinha to Bruno Fernandes, who then assisted Trincão. Félix's goal resulted from a corner kick, where Bruno Fernandes lobbed the ball to Félix, who controlled it and shot from the edge of the box.

US head coach Mauricio Pochettino implemented several changes to the starting lineup from the Belgium match. Matt Freese started in goal, replacing Matt Turner. Chris Richards and Auston Trusty partnered in central defense, marking their first time playing together in this capacity for the USMNT. Alex Freeman played at right-back, and Antonee Robinson at left-back. In midfield, Sebastian Berhalter and Aidan Morris started. Christian Pulisic was deployed as a central striker, supported by Tim Weah, Weston McKennie, and Malik Tillman.

Pulisic, playing in a central attacking role, had multiple scoring opportunities but did not score. He was substituted at halftime after receiving a warning and a yellow card for tackles. Defensive vulnerabilities were observed, particularly at the edge of the 18-yard box. Aidan Morris's positioning was noted during Trincão's opening goal, and his reaction time during Félix's goal was also highlighted. The absence of midfielder Tyler Adams was cited as a factor impacting the team’s midfield defensive capabilities.

The match was played in front of a sellout crowd of 72,297 spectators, with crowd rooting interests noted as potentially split.

Portugal's 2-0 win extended the USMNT's losing streak against European opponents to eight consecutive matches.

Match Logistics and Observations

Both friendly matches featured mandatory hydration breaks, implemented to replicate conditions for the upcoming World Cup, despite the climate-controlled indoor venue (72F/22C) in Atlanta. US head coach Mauricio Pochettino stated that these breaks disrupted the game's rhythm, while Belgian counterpart Rudi Garcia utilized them for tactical discussions. US players had varied reactions; goalkeeper Matt Turner noted familiarity with such breaks in league play, Timothy Weah cited player safety, and Weston McKennie mentioned experiencing a dry mouth. Christian Pulisic stated the breaks did not affect the game.

During the USMNT vs. Belgium match, a kit clash occurred due to both teams wearing visually similar lighter-colored jerseys. The US wore red-and-white striped kits, while Belgium wore a lighter-colored away strip, causing visual confusion for players and viewers. US player Christian Pulisic commented on the issue. A US Soccer spokesperson clarified that the Belgian federation had been informed of the US kit choice, and Belgium's choice of alternate kit was approved by the match commissioner and referees based on photos. The issue became apparent at kickoff, and Belgium's alternative uniforms were unavailable as they had been shipped to Chicago for their subsequent friendly. Players acknowledged the difficulty in distinguishing teammates but stated it did not influence the match's outcome.

A noticeable kit clash between the USMNT and Belgium caused visual confusion, though players stated it did not affect the game's outcome.

A new rule allowed both teams to utilize up to 11 substitutions during the matches, providing extensive playing time for most individuals and an opportunity to make a final case for World Cup roster inclusion.

For the USMNT, midfielders Tyler Adams and Diego Luna, right-back Sergiño Dest, and forward Haji Wright were not available. Center backs Chris Richards and Miles Robinson were sidelined with injuries for the Belgium match and also missed the subsequent match against Portugal, though Richards returned to play against Portugal. Belgium played without star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and leading scorer Romelu Lukaku. Portugal played without Cristiano Ronaldo due to injury.

Coach Pochettino's Assessment and World Cup Outlook

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino stated that significant decisions are pending for the final United States World Cup squad, with no further friendly matches scheduled before the May 26th squad announcement. He indicated that approximately 35 to 40 players are being considered for the 26 available positions, describing the selection process as challenging.

Coach Pochettino noted positive observations, expressing increased optimism despite the defeats and believing the team is close to a higher competitive level.

Despite the recent defeats, Pochettino noted positive observations from the March international window, stating that the team competed effectively against two FIFA top-10 ranked opponents. He conveyed increased optimism, believing the team is close to a higher competitive level and requires refinements in specific areas. Pochettino identified tactical errors, such as Antonee Robinson's positioning during Portugal's initial goal, as correctable issues to be addressed during a dedicated World Cup training camp. He also provided a positive assessment of Christian Pulisic's performance as the starting striker against Portugal, acknowledging his active involvement and effort. Pochettino suggested that the U.S. team has fewer players ranked within the global top 100 compared to teams like Belgium and Portugal.

Upcoming Fixtures

The USMNT will play Turkey on June 25, which will be their third friendly against a World Cup group opponent in 2025. Turkey qualified for the World Cup after defeating Kosovo 1-0. Belgium is scheduled to face Mexico in Chicago on Tuesday.