USMNT Takes on Belgium: Bold Predictions, Key Matchups, and Expected Lineups Revealed

With only four matches remaining before the FIFA World Cup 2026 opener, tensions are building for both the U.S. men's national team and Belgium ahead of their Saturday friendly showdown in Atlanta.

The fixture serves as the first outing of 2026 for both sides, as they look to finalize their squads and game plans with ambitions of advancing deep into this summer's competition. The USMNT comes in with solid momentum after claiming four victories in their last five matches in 2025, while Belgium arrives on a nine-game unbeaten run following a 3–1 defeat to Ukraine on March 20, 2025.

With 76 days remaining until World Cup kickoff, the USMNT appear to be hitting their stride as they gear up for Group D action against Paraguay, Australia, and either Türkiye or Kosovo. The Red Devils, meanwhile, are bracing for Group G encounters against Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand.

While Saturday's result won't carry significant weight, both sides will be eager to secure a morale-boosting victory in the tournament's buildup, while also getting a feel for Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, which is set to host eight matches this summer, including one semifinal.

USMNT vs. Belgium Score Prediction

USMNT Earn a Draw Against a Powerhouse

Victories over Uruguay, Paraguay, Australia, and Japan, along with a draw against Ecuador, were impressive results to close out 2025, but the USMNT will be motivated to make a statement against the No. 9 ranked side in the FIFA World Rankings.

With a supportive home crowd and Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Folarin Balogun all fit and available, this represents one of the rare occasions where manager Mauricio Pochettino can call upon the majority of his key players. Adding to the stakes, this will be the first time since a 1–1 draw against Brazil in June 2024 that the USMNT has faced a top-10 ranked nation.

Ultimately, Belgium's talented European contingent and the USMNT's still-evolving defensive structure suggest this one will end level — a result that would still be a positive sign for the Stars and Stripes heading into the summer.

Prediction: USMNT 2–2 Belgium

USMNT Predicted Lineup vs. Belgium

Pochettino will use much of the March window to nail down the ideal lineup and formation for the USMNT, having settled on a back-three during October and November friendlies. Whether he opts for a 3-5-2, 3-4-2-1, 3-5-3, or another setup remains unclear heading into these fixtures.

Regardless of the formation chosen, the squad is expected to reflect his strongest available options. Pulisic, who has operated as a second striker at AC Milan this season, could reprise that role to complement the in-form Balogun up front, with McKennie, Tanner Tessman, and Johnny Cardoso occupying the central midfield positions.

The player to watch in the middle of the park will be Cardoso, who has had a breakout season with regular appearances at Atlético Madrid, yet still needs to cement his place in the national setup. A subdued performance could pave the way for fall standout and Vancouver Whitecaps star Sebastian Berhalter to stake his claim.

In goal, all signs suggest New York City FC's Matt Freese holds the edge for the starting spot. However, injury concerns loom over the defensive line, with Crystal Palace's Chris Richards ruled out after leaving training early on Wednesday with a knee problem, and FC Cincinnati's Miles Robinson sidelined by a groin injury.

Neither Dest nor Adams were called up to camp, and both would likely have featured in the starting eleven if fit. The USMNT will now need to adjust accordingly.

USMNT predicted lineup vs. Belgium (3-5-2): Freese; Freeman, McKenzie, Ream; Weah, McKennie, Cardoso, Tessman, Robinson; Balogun, Pulisic

Belgium Predicted Lineup vs. USMNT

Belgium is heading into what could be the final major tournament for their celebrated "golden generation," spearheaded by Kevin De Bruyne, who is thriving in his debut season at Napoli following a decade at Manchester City. 

Even at 34, De Bruyne anchors the midfield and could line up ahead of Aston Villa's Youri Tielemans, while Manchester City's Jérémy Doku and Arsenal's Leandro Trossard provide quality on the flanks around Juventus forward Loïs Openda. 

Long regarded as dark horses at recent World Cups, this summer's tournament marks Belgium's fourth straight appearance and 15th overall. They will be keen to make an early statement in Atlanta. 

Beyond the aforementioned key players, who are all expected to start, manager Rudi Garcia may also call upon Pulisic's Milan teammate Alexis Saelemaekers in midfield.

The squad will be missing De Bruyne's Napoli teammate and Belgium's all-time leading scorer Romelu Lukaku, who withdrew from the camp with hamstring soreness, while Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is dealing with a thigh injury sustained during Real Madrid's recent 2–1 Champions League win over Manchester City.

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

What Time Does USMNT vs. Belgium Kick Off?

How to Watch USMNT vs. Belgium on TV, Live Stream