USMNT Loses to Belgium and Portugal in World Cup Tune-Ups

The United States men's national soccer team suffered back-to-back defeats in friendlies against Belgium and Portugal this week in Atlanta, losses that have intensified scrutiny on coach Mauricio Pochettino's preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host. The team fell 5-2 to Belgium on Saturday and 2-0 to Portugal on Tuesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, drawing crowds of over 70,000 for the latter match despite the absence of Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo.

Pochettino, now 24 matches into his tenure, described the results as a learning opportunity against stronger European sides. "We are competing against Belgium, Portugal," he said after the Portugal game. "I think for sure Belgium and Portugal have in the top 100 players, a few or some players playing in that top 100. I think we don't have." He emphasized the value of such tests, noting the U.S. must address defensive lapses, including vulnerability to counters and set pieces, to compete at the tournament level. The coach plans to announce his 26-man roster on May 26 in New York, marking the start of a cross-country buildup to the Americans' Group D opener against Paraguay on June 12 in Inglewood, California.