USMNT Fall 2–5 to Belgium in Atlanta — Pre-World Cup Alarm Bells Ring

The United States Men's National Team suffered a sobering 2–5 defeat to Belgium (FIFA ranked 9th) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta (att. 66,867). Belgium outshot the US 21–12, with 10 shots on target to USA's 5. Weston McKennie gave the US an early lead (39', assisted by returning Antonee Robinson) but Belgium dominated after halftime. Goals: McKennie (39', USA), Zeno Debast (~45', BEL equalizer), Amadou Onana (53', BEL), Charles De Ketelaere (59', BEL — penalty after Tim Ream handball), Dodi Lukébakio (2 goals, second half brace, BEL), Patrick Agyemang (87', USA — consolation, his 6th international goal). Coach Mauricio Pochettino said: 'The moment we matched the intensity of Belgium, we were even or better. The problem was to keep that intensity.' The result raised World Cup alarm bells for the US defense with the tournament just 10 weeks away. The US also debuted new Nike 'Stars and Stripes' kits. Portugal follow on March 31.