Usa - Belgium (foto: Getty Images)
The USA suffered a heavy 5-2 defeat to Belgium in Atlanta, raising serious concerns about form, structure, and readiness ahead of the World Cup on home soil. ahead of hosting the tournament.
United States delivered a worrying performance in front of their home fans, suffering a heavy 5-2 defeat to Belgium in Atlanta.
The result comes just months before the World Cup, which the USA will host alongside Canada and Mexico.
Bright start, then total collapse
The match began with promise for the home side.
Weston McKennie opened the scoring in the 39th minute, giving the crowd reason to believe in a strong performance.
But the response from Belgium was immediate and ruthless.
Zeno Debast equalized just before half-time, shifting momentum.
Early in the second half, Amadou Onana completed the turnaround, putting the visitors firmly in control.
What followed was a complete breakdown from the USA.
Charles De Ketelaere made it 3-1 from the penalty spot, before Dodi Lukebakio took over.
The winger scored twice, including a standout strike from the right side into the top corner, leaving Matt Turner helpless.
The USA managed a late goal through Patrick Agyemang in the 87th minute, but it did little to change the overall picture.
Warning signs before the World Cup
This defeat highlights serious issues in defensive organization, game control, and mentality under pressure.
Against a top-level opponent, the USA struggled to respond once momentum shifted.
With limited time before the tournament, these problems demand urgent solutions.
The USA will face Paraguay, Australia, and the winner of Kosovo vs Turkey in the group stage.
Based on this performance, progression will not be guaranteed.
Belgium, on the other hand, showed sharpness and efficiency.
They head into the tournament with confidence, set to face Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand.
For the USA, this was more than a defeat.
It was a serious warning ahead of the biggest tournament on home soil.