US hammered by Belgium as World Cup concerns resurface

The United States suffered a heavy 5-2 defeat to Belgium in a friendly that exposed familiar weaknesses just weeks before cohosting the 2026 World Cup, while Mexico and Portugal played out a tense goalless draw overshadowed by a fatal incident in the stands.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side started brightly in Atlanta, with Weston McKennie giving the hosts an early lead in front of 67,000 fans. But the advantage did not last. Belgium, ranked ninth in the world, responded quickly and took control, scoring through Zeno Debast, Amadou Onana and Charles De Ketelaere, before substitute Dodi Lukebakio added two more.

Patrick Agyemang pulled one back late on, but the result underlined the gap between the US and top European opposition — a gap that could prove decisive once the World Cup begins.

“I see this as a good reality check for us, because now is the moment to feel this type of situation, to improve,” Pochettino said. “We need to improve, of course.”

The loss interrupts a run of more encouraging results and comes at a sensitive moment, with the US expected to test itself against stronger teams ahead of the tournament. They face Portugal next before Pochettino names his final squad in May.

Elsewhere, Mexico’s friendly against Portugal marked the reopening of the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City after two years of renovation, but the occasion was marred by tragedy.

A man died after falling from an upper-level box area shortly before kickoff. Authorities said he was intoxicated and attempted to climb between levels before losing his footing. He was treated by medical personnel but died at the scene.

The match itself ended 0-0, with Portugal creating the better chances despite missing key forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Leao. Joao Felix came close early, Goncalo Ramos struck the post, and Bruno Fernandes fired narrowly wide after the break.

“I think we had 10 shots on goal, which isn’t far off what we were aiming for,” Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said. “What isn’t good is the number of shots on target; we lacked accuracy.

“Success or failure isn’t just about the score. There are many more factors at play these days. I think that, after 90 minutes, the team is better prepared for the World Cup,” Martinez said.

The match also served as a test event for the renovated stadium, which will host five games during the tournament, including the opening match on June 11.

In Basel, Germany edged Switzerland 4-3 in one of the most entertaining games of the international window. Florian Wirtz scored twice, including an 86th-minute winner, and assisted two more goals in a standout performance.

“Well, with four scorer points, most likely, yes,” Wirtz said when asked if it was his best display. “We have a tight World Cup phase in front of us, and we obviously want to reach the final and win the trophy, but we all know it will be a very hard road until then.”