USA vs Belgium – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Belgium go head-to-head against the USA in an international friendly on Saturday as both nations step up their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on American soil.

The clash at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium will give Mauricio Pochettino’s side a stern test against a Belgium outfit still packed with elite European talent despite several injury setbacks.

USA vs Belgium – Match preview and team news

USA team news

Mauricio Pochettino begins his first full calendar year in charge of the USMNT with a largely settled core group, blending established European-based stars with MLS standouts for this March window.

Miles Robinson and Chris Richards are both sidelined against Belgium on Saturday with injuries. Mauricio Pochettino confirmed the same in his pre-game press conference.

Robinson is out for the game against Portugal as well, while Richards is hugely doubtful for that game.

With long-term absentees Sergino Dest and Tyler Adams still unavailable, the U.S. is left with only three natural central defenders in Tim Ream, Mark McKenzie, and Auston Trusty.

Pochettino hinted at experimenting by dropping Joe Scally or midfielder Tanner Tessmann into the backline to provide cover.

Despite these defensive woes, the U.S. attack remains potent, with Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Farin Balogun all fit and expected to lead the charge in front of the Atlanta crowd.

Belgium team news

Romelu Lukaku has withdrawn from the squad to focus on his physical conditioning ahead of the summer tournament, depriving Belgium of their record goalscorer for these final World Cup warm-ups.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is also absent due to a muscle injury, while midfielders Leandro Trossard and Hans Vanaken have been ruled out with hip problems and will remain with their clubs to continue rehabilitation.

Head coach Rudi Garcia has included three uncapped players in his latest squad, turning to fresh faces after losing several experienced names for the tour.

17-year-old Anderlecht midfielder Nathan De Cat, Ajax winger Mika Godts and Saint-Etienne forward Lucas Stassin are all called up for this international window.

Form

USA

The USA ended a positive cycle of results coming into 2026, having thumped Uruguay 5-1 in their final fixture of last year and finishing 2025 on a three-game winning streak.

Pochettino’s team are unbeaten in their last five matches, conceding one goal or fewer in each and notably avoiding any second-half concessions across their previous six internationals.

However, the Americans have found victories against European opposition harder to come by in competitive settings and have not beaten a UEFA side in such a context since edging Northern Ireland 2-1 in a 2021 friendly, a narrative they will be keen to change in Atlanta.

Belgium

Belgium also arrive in encouraging form after a strong 2025, including a 7-0 demolition of Liechtenstein in their final outing of last year as their attacking quality shone through.

Garcia’s men have largely maintained an unbeaten stretch, displaying the kind of consistency that fuels hopes they can finally shake off their underachiever tag on the biggest stage.

Predicted lineups

USA: Freese; Scally, McKenzie, Trusty; Weah, Tessmann, McKennie, A. Robinson; Pulisic, Aaronson; Balogun

Belgium: Sels; Meunier, Mechele, Theate, Castagne; Tielemans, De Bruyne, Raskin; Saelemaekers, De Ketelaere, Doku

How to watch the USA vs Belgium?

The match is being broadcast in the United States on TNT and TruTV, with streaming on HBO Max. If you are in the UK, you can legally access these U.S. streams by using a subscription to HBO Max or Peacock.

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