Nearly 12 years on from their unforgettable World Cup meeting in Brazil, the United States and Belgium meet again on Saturday night in a high‑profile international friendly at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
This will be the first fixture of 2026 for both nations, with the USA closing last year in emphatic fashion by thrashing Uruguay 5–1, while Belgium rounded off 2025 with a commanding 7–0 win over Liechtenstein.
United States
With the World Cup only months away, the United States enter this friendly in buoyant form and eager to test themselves against elite opposition. Mauricio Pochettino’s side ended 2025 strongly, winning their final three matches of the year and remaining unbeaten across their last five international outings.
Defensive solidity has underpinned that run. The Americans have conceded no more than one goal in each of those matches and have not allowed a second‑half goal in their last six internationals, highlighting a growing maturity within the squad.
Saturday’s encounter marks the men’s national team’s fifth appearance in Atlanta. Their previous visit to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium ended in disappointment, however, as they fell 2–1 to Panama during the 2024 Copa América. Historically, the USA have struggled in calendar‑year openers, losing their first match of the year on two of the last three occasions. That said, they enjoyed a strong start to 2025 with consecutive wins over Venezuela (3–1) and Costa Rica (3–0).
Facing Belgium also presents an opportunity to end a lengthy drought. The Americans have not beaten European opposition since edging Northern Ireland 2–1 in a 2021 friendly, and they have lost their last six competitive fixtures against teams from that continent.
Team News
Injury concerns limit Pochettino’s options. Tyler Adams is sidelined with an MCL issue, while Haji Wright is dealing with a groin problem. Sergiño Dest is managing a hamstring strain, and goalkeeper Roman Celentano is also unavailable.
Despite those absences, there is plenty of quality in the squad. Christian Pulisic is just two goals shy of equalling Eric Wynalda as the USA’s fourth‑highest scorer of all time, while Folarin Balogun arrives in fine form after being named Monaco’s Player of the Month for February. The striker has scored four times during that period and boasts five goals across his club’s last six matches.
Belgium
Belgium approach 2026 with renewed optimism following a productive 2025, confident they can finally shed their reputation as World Cup underachievers. Since taking charge in January 2025, head coach Rudi Garcia has overseen a significant revival, losing just once—against Ukraine—across his tenure.
The Red Devils have also been resilient away from home, remaining unbeaten in their last four international matches on the road and conceding no more than a single goal in three of those fixtures. Last year, Belgium demonstrated an impressive capacity for recovery, avoiding defeat in every match in which they conceded first. They drew 1–1 with Kazakhstan in November and came from behind to beat Wales 4–2 the previous month.
Saturday’s contest represents a rare meeting with CONCACAF opposition. Belgium have not faced a team from the region since edging Canada 1–0 at the 2022 World Cup, which remains their only match against such opposition this decade.
History strongly favours the Europeans. Since a 3–0 defeat to the United States at the inaugural World Cup in 1930, Belgium have won their last five encounters with the Americans. That sequence includes their dramatic 2–1 extra‑time victory at the 2014 World Cup, a match remembered for Tim Howard’s record‑breaking 16 saves.
Team News
Romelu Lukaku, the nation’s all‑time leading goalscorer, has withdrawn due to a hamstring issue, while Hans Vanaken and Leandro Trossard were omitted because of injuries. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois suffered a thigh injury during Real Madrid’s recent 2–1 Champions League win over Manchester City.
There is still star power available, though, with Kevin De Bruyne enjoying a prolific 2025 in international colours. His six goals last year lifted him above Eden Hazard into second place on Belgium’s all‑time scoring list.
Conclusion
Even accounting for the absences within their squad, Belgium remain a side stacked with experience and depth.
While the USA are progressing well and will relish the chance to test themselves against elite opposition on home soil, the Red Devils’ composure and pedigree at the highest level are likely to prove decisive.
Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 13/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
