The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) is set to face Belgium in a highly anticipated international friendly at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, March 28th. This match serves as a crucial warm-up as both teams intensify their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States.
Match Preview and Team News
The game kicks off at 7:30 pm GMT, and fans are eager to witness how the USMNT, under Mauricio Pochettino, will fare against Belgium's elite European talent.
USA Team News
Despite a few injury setbacks, Pochettino is leading a largely settled squad, mixing European-based stars with MLS talents. Miles Robinson and Chris Richards are confirmed absentees, while long-term injuries to Sergino Dest and Tyler Adams leave the USMNT with only three natural central defenders. Tim Ream, Mark McKenzie, and Auston Trusty are expected to fill these roles, with potential experiments involving Joe Scally or Tanner Tessmann providing additional cover. On the offensive side, Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Farin Balogun are expected to spearhead the attack.
Belgium Team News
Belgium, led by Rudi Garcia, will be without record goalscorer Romelu Lukaku and star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois due to fitness concerns. Midfielders Leandro Trossard and Hans Vanaken are also out, prompting Garcia to call up fresh talent, including 17-year-old Nathan De Cat, Mika Godts, and Lucas Stassin.
Form
USA
The USA has shown solid form, ending 2025 with a strong performance, including a 5-1 victory over Uruguay. The team is unbeaten in its last five matches, showcasing defensive resilience by conceding one goal or fewer in each outing. However, their track record against European teams in competitive settings remains an area for improvement.
Belgium
Belgium enters the match with confidence, having concluded 2025 with a dominant 7-0 win over Liechtenstein. The team has demonstrated consistency and aims to shed its reputation as underachievers on the international 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 USA vs Belgium
In the United States, the match will be broadcast on TNT and TruTV, with streaming available on HBO Max. UK viewers can access the streams with a subscription to HBO Max or Peacock.
