USMNT vs. Belgium: Final Audition at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Before World Cup 2026

Atlanta—With only 76 days until the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off, the U.S. men’s national team and Belgium meet Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in what both sides are treating as a dress rehearsal for the summer’s main stage. The 76,000-seat venue, selected to host eight matches including a semifinal, will provide the perfect backdrop for a friendly that carries far more psychological weight than its official designation suggests.

Mauricio Pochettino’s Americans arrive on a four-win surge from their last five 2025 outings, victories over Uruguay, Paraguay, Australia and Japan buttressing belief that the hosts can escape a Group D slate that also includes Paraguay, Australia and the Türkiye-Kosovo playoff winner. Belgium, unbeaten in nine since a March 2025 loss to Ukraine, will test that optimism; the Red Devils’ 4-2-3-1 shape is expected to feature Kevin De Bruyne in the hole behind Juventus striker Loïs Openda, flanked by Jérémy Doku and Leandro Trossard. The absence of record scorer Romelu Lukaku (hamstring) and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois (thigh) gives Rudi Garcia a final look at squad depth before Group G battles against Egypt, Iran and New Zealand.

For the U.S., the March window is Pochettino’s last chance to lock in a defensive scheme. The Argentine toggled between 3-5-2 and 3-4-2-1 in the fall, and Saturday’s selection should reveal his lean. Christian Pulisic, thriving as a second striker for AC Milan, is poised to partner in-form Folarin Balogun, with Weston McKennie, Tanner Tessman and Johnny Cardoso anchoring midfield. Cardoso’s Atlético Madrid form has pushed him ahead of Vancouver’s Sebastian Berhalter on the depth chart, though a subdued showing could reopen the competition. Between the posts, New York City FC’s Matt Freese is the presumed No. 1.

Injuries have thinned the back line. Crystal Palace’s Chris Richards exited training Wednesday with a knee complaint, while FC Cincinnati’s Miles Robinson is sidelined by a groin strain. Sergiño Dest and Tyler Adams were not summoned, leaving Bryan Reynolds, Walker Zimmerman and Tim Ream to marshal a three-man central block in front of Freese.

Belgium’s so-called golden generation may be down to its last major tournament, but De Bruyne, 34, shows no signs of decline after a sparkling debut Serie A campaign with Napoli. Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans will sit deep to free the playmaker, while Alexis Saelemaekers—Pulisic’s Milan teammate—could earn minutes ahead of the World Cup. The Red Devils have reached four straight World Cups and 15 overall, yet have never lifted the trophy; a statement win in Atlanta would fuel belief they can navigate a manageable Group G.

Expect a high-tempo, tactically curious 90 minutes rather than a cagey affair. The U.S. has not faced a top-10 FIFA-ranked opponent since a 1-1 draw with Brazil in June 2024; Belgium sits ninth. A draw would still represent progress for a side still calibrating its defensive identity, while Pochettino weighs final roster cuts before the summer.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, the last time these hopefuls will share a competitive pitch until the world’s eyes turn to North America in June.

USMNT predicted lineup (3-5-2): Freese; Reynolds, Zimmerman, Ream; Weah, McKennie, Cardoso, Tessman, A. Robinson; Balogun, Pulisic

Belgium predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Meunier, Mechele, Theate, Castagne; Saelemaekers, Tielemans; Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard; Openda