Heavy Defeat for World Cup Co-Hosts USA: Mauricio Pochettino's Team Crumbles Against Belgium Despite Early Lead
The United States national team, co-hosts of the upcoming summer World Cup, appears to be still some way from being ready for the tournament. In a recent friendly match against Kevin De Bruyne and his Belgian squad, the US suffered a significant setback after a promising start.
Just 75 days before the World Cup kicks off on home soil, alongside Mexico and Canada, the US team experienced a sobering 2:5 (1:1) defeat against Belgium in Atlanta. The second half, in particular, saw a very weak performance from the USA, which included Bayer Leverkusen's Malik Tilman in the starting lineup.
Former Schalke player Weston McKennie had given the hosts the lead in the 39th minute. However, Belgium quickly responded, with Zeno Debast leveling the score just before halftime in the 45th minute.
Belgium Steps Up Dominance in the Second Half
After the break, Belgium took control, with goals from Amadou Onana (53rd minute), Charles De Ketelaere (59th minute, penalty kick due to handball), and former Bundesliga professional Dodi Lukebakio (68th, 82nd minutes), who scored twice. Patrick Agyemang managed a late consolation goal for the USA in the 87th minute.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino's team is set to compete in World Cup Group D against Australia, Paraguay, and the winner of the Kosovo/Turkey playoff. Belgium will play in Group G against Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Schedule
Date |
Round |
|---|---|
June 11 to 27 |
Group Stage |
June 28 to July 3 |
Round of 32 |
July 4 to 7 |
Round of 16 |
July 9 to 11 |
Quarter-finals |
July 14 to 15 |
Semi-finals |
July 18 |
Third-Place Play-off |
July 19 |
Final |
Fresh materials — Serie A
Michael Olise's 30-Minute Brilliance Leads France Past Belgium; Vincenzo Montella Under Pressure as Turkey Falters
France recovered from a deficit against Belgium, thanks to Michael Olise's 30-minute masterclass. Italy's repeated win over Turkey leaves coach Vincenzo Montella's job in jeopardy. Bayern star Michael Olise delivered a home win for French national team coach Zinedine Zidane in his first m
Karl-Anthony Towns' Bombshell Statement: A Knicks Meltdown Imminent?
Karl-Anthony Towns' contract situation is heating up. The New York Knicks co-star has caused a stir with a critical statement. Towns enters his final contract year, set to earn $57.1 million next season, with a player option for $61 million the following year. This means Towns could leave
Barcelona Dominates Real Madrid 7-0 in Clasico, Pina Nets Four
The German trio of Elisa Senß, Merle Frohms, and Sara Däbritz faced a severe defeat with Real Madrid against FC Barcelona in the Clasico. At Camp Nou on Sunday evening, Real conceded a devastating 0-7 loss, trailing by five goals before halftime. National player Senß and former DFB goa
Rudi Völler Defends Joshua Kimmich Amidst National Team Debate
Sporting Director Rudi Völler downplayed the discussions about Joshua Kimmich's role in the German national team. Like many players from the initial squad, Kimmich was sent home midway through the international break following a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands and a disappointing 0-1 hom
Oliver Kahn & Michael Ballack Weigh In on Joshua Kimmich Debate
Former national team captains Oliver Kahn and Michael Ballack have critically assessed the current discussion surrounding Joshua Kimmich. The DFB captain did not entirely emerge unscathed. "Klopp has delegated him out a bit for these two games to see how the group functions without him,"
Germany's Path to Nations League Quarter-Finals Under Jürgen Klopp: Standings, Schedule, and Opponents
Jürgen Klopp's German national team faces a critical juncture in the Nations League, with a place in the quarter-finals hanging in the balance. Here's how the DFB team can still advance and the current group standings. With four of six group games played, Germany's new era