Hosts in trouble? Belgium thrash the USA after half-time in friendly 🎥
· Yahoo Sports
The United States national team started well, but ended up being thrashed 5-2 by Belgium this Saturday (28) in Atlanta, in a friendly ahead of the 2026 World Cup. After an even first half, the European side took off in the second and showed superior technical quality.
The team led by Mauricio Pochettino opened the scoring in the 39th minute through 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.
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Belgium, however, responded before halftime. Center-back Zeno Debast equalized with a powerful shot from outside the box deep into stoppage time, leaving everything level for the second half.
After the break, the picture changed completely. With more quality in attack, the Belgians went ahead through Amadou Onana and extended their lead from the penalty spot via Charles De Ketelaere. From then on, the game opened up, and the U.S. defense could not keep up with the opponent’s pace.
The standout in the closing stretch was Dodi Lukebakio, who scored twice — including a beautiful goal from outside the box — and played a key role in the rout. The visitors also created other chances and only did not score more because of 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 thrashing reflected the difference in efficiency between the teams in the second half.
The friendly is part of the build-up to the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, as well as Canada and Mexico. For the Americans, the result serves as a warning: despite recent progress, the team still struggles against top-level European sides.
Belgium, on the other hand, reinforced its status as a contender to go far at the World Cup. Even in a period of renewal, it showed attacking strength and squad depth, with several options capable of deciding matches.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.