Belgium handed the USMNT a massive reality check.
The U.S. men’s national team showed up for just 45 minutes and ended up getting destroyed 5–2 against Belgium on Saturday afternoon.The USMNT then suffered a dramatic collapse in the second half, and Belgium was merciless.
Strikes from Amadou Onana, Charles De Ketelaere and a brace from Dodi Lukébakio completed the massacre, before Patrick Agyemang scored late to make the final scoreline a little more flattering. Following a promising start, the USMNT crumbled and was unable to muster a response in the face of adversity. It’s a massive wake up call for the Stars and Stripes, given the gap to one of the top national teams in the world became abundantly clear. There’s plenty of work to do for Pochettino and Co. ahead of the Mauricio Pochettino gave plenty of instructions to his defenders throughout the match and especially during cooling breaks. | Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images Pochettino’s decision to switch to a 3-4-2-1 formation with three center backs last fall sparked a surge in form that saw the USMNT arrive to the clash undefeated in its last five with four wins. This explains why many were left scratching their heads when Tim Ream and Mark McKenzie were the only two center backs included in the lineup against Belgium. However, while the profile of players changed, the recently adopted system didn’t. Instead either Johnny Cardoso and Tanner Tessmann—mostly the latter—dropped from midfield to operate between the center back pairing whenever the U.S. had the ball. Malik Tillman often dropped to the base to complete the double pivot, with Cristian Pulisic and Weston McKennie as dual No. 10’s behind Folarin Balogun. Natural wingbacks Antonee Robinson and Timothy Weah were free to dart forward, giving Pochettino’s side depth down the wings. It’s the first time Pochettino sticks a natural midfielder between the center backs in the six game he’s deployed this formation. Utilizing an extra midfielder in that third center back role could be a wrinkle worth exploring further ahead of the World Cup, since it gives the U.S. a more capable passer in build-up. Still, it must be said that doing without an extra defender also contributed to the second half collapse, giving Pochettino more to think about moving forward.: Got the nod ahead of Matt Freese and he made a couple of fine saves. His distribution was up-and-down and he likely could’ve done more to stop Debast’s equalizer, thogh it must be said his vision might’ve been impeded. Nothing he could do to prevent the rest.: Was adventurous going forward but was quick to track back given he had to deal with the dangerous Jérémy Doku. Although he had some solid interventions, the Manchester City winger gave him trouble.Failed to inspire any semblance of confidence defensively. Caught between assignments way too often, turning him into another spectator while Belgium’s attackers feasted.: Stout defensively and his darting runs down the flank were an outlet in build-up, exploiting the space down the wing to perfection. His deliveries from set-pieces were precise, assisting McKennie’s opener. The best player on the pitch.: Balanced Pochettino’s side and constantly dropped down to operate as a third center back both in and out of possession.Looked comfortable on the ball, never misplacing a pass while constantly starting possessions from the back. Did well containing Kevin de Bruyne.Cleverly found pockets of space to operate in in the final third. Missed a one-on-one inside the six-yard box but made up for it with a nice header to open the scoring.: Brilliant first half from him, creating three chances with nice first-time passes that slid open Belgium’s defense. Disappeared after the break.A poor showing from the USMNT talisman. Erratic on the ball and the few actions where he showed glimpses of his quality ended with subpar attempts on goal.: Built on what Cardoso did in the first half and was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dreadful final 45 minutes.’s 2026 continued on Saturday. The playmaker couldn’t get much of anything going, and he even look out of sorts as time, frustrated at himself. Rediscovering his best form in the coming two months is essential for the USMNT’s World Cup aspirations.might be one of the leaders in the dressing room, but at 38-years-old, he has clearly lost a step. He looks unable to handle the speed of the game and that leads to mistakes such as the penalty he gifted. Pochettino would be tempting fate if he sticks with Ream in the XI come the summer.is certainly a very worthy alternative at right wingback going forward, but against one of the top wingers in the world in Doku, his defensive deficiencies were targeted. Pochettino should be pragmatic; against low-blocks, Weah is a valuable asset, but against elite wingers,10 shots on goal to the USMNT’s fiveBelgium produced three big chances in the second half and missed two of themROBERTO CASILLAS Roberto Casillas is a Sports Illustrated FC freelance writer covering Liga MX, the Mexican National Team & Latin American players in Europe. He is a die hard Cruz Azul and Chelsea fan.
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