Hosts in trouble? Belgium steamroll the USA in 2nd half 🎥 | OneFootball

The United States national team started well but ended up suffering a 5-2 rout by Belgium this Saturday (28) in Atlanta, in a friendly match preparing for the 2026 World Cup. After an evenly matched first half, the European side took off in the second half and showed its technical superiority.

The team coached by Mauricio Pochettino opened the scoring in the 39th minute, with Weston McKennie taking advantage of a set-piece play. The Americans were putting in a solid performance, applying pressure down the flanks and creating good chances.

Belgium, however, responded before halftime. Center-back Zeno Debast equalized with a powerful shot from outside the box in stoppage time, leaving everything level for the second half.

After the break, the scenario changed completely. With more quality in attack, the Belgians turned it around through Amadou Onana and extended the lead with a penalty converted by Charles De Ketelaere. From that point on, the game opened up, and the U.S. defense could not keep up with the opponent’s pace.

The standout in the closing stages was Dodi Lukebakio, who scored twice — including a beautiful goal from outside the box — and played a key role in the rout. The visiting side also created other chances and only did not score more thanks to good saves by goalkeeper Matt Turner.

Late on, the United States pulled one back through Patrick Agyemang, but without changing the overall picture of the match. The rout reflected the difference in efficiency between the teams in the second half.

The friendly is part of the preparation for the 2026 World Cup, which will be played in the United States itself, as well as in Canada and Mexico. For the Americans, the result serves as a warning: despite their recent progress, the team still struggles against top-level European national sides.

Belgium, on the other hand, reinforces its status as a contender to go far in the World Cup. Even in a period of renewal, it showed attacking strength and a deep squad, with several options capable of deciding matches.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

📸 Kevin C. Cox - 2026 Getty Images