The U.S. men's national team opens its final stretch of friendlies before the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday against a talented Belgium side at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a venue that will also host World Cup matches later this year.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on March 28, with the match broadcast on TNT, truTV, Telemundo, Universo, HBO Max and Peacock. It marks the first of two high-profile tests in Atlanta for Mauricio Pochettino's squad, followed by a clash against Portugal on March 31.

The friendly carries extra weight as both teams fine-tune their preparations for the summer's global showcase. The United States, as co-hosts, will open its World Cup campaign on June 12 against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, followed by matches against Australia in Seattle and a UEFA playoff winner back in Los Angeles. Belgium, ranked among Europe's traditional powers, aims to rebound strongly after navigating World Cup qualifying.

Pochettino has named a 27-player roster blending established stars with emerging talents, seeking to build cohesion and test depth against a European opponent. The Argentine coach, who took over in 2025, has emphasized tactical discipline and attacking flair as the team looks to improve on past performances against elite competition.

Recent Form and Momentum

The USMNT enters the match riding solid form, having won four of its last five matches in 2025, including an impressive 5-1 victory over Uruguay in its final outing of the previous year. The Americans have shown progress in blending young attackers with experienced midfielders and defenders, though consistency against top-tier sides remains a work in progress.

Belgium, meanwhile, boasts a strong recent record, including a nine-match unbeaten streak heading into 2026 and dominant qualifying results such as a 7-0 win over Liechtenstein. The Red Devils, coached by Rudi Garcia, have relied on a mix of veterans and fresh faces after the gradual transition from their golden generation.

Despite their pedigree, some observers note Belgium appears in a transitional phase, with questions around squad depth and integration of new players. Still, the team's technical quality and experience make it a formidable test for the hosts.

Head-to-Head History

The matchup revives memories of the 2014 World Cup group stage, when Belgium edged the U.S. 2-1 in extra time in a thrilling round-of-16 encounter marked by Tim Howard's heroic 16 saves. Historically, Belgium holds the edge with the U.S. recording just one win in seven meetings dating back nearly a century — a 1930 World Cup victory. The Americans will be eager to rewrite that narrative on home soil.

Team News and Projected Lineups

For the U.S., key players expected to feature include forward Folarin Balogun, who has been in strong club form, and midfield anchors like Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie. Pochettino's system often favors a fluid 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, emphasizing quick transitions and pressing. Injuries and fitness will be monitored closely in what amounts to an early audition for World Cup roster spots, with final selections anticipated in May.

Belgium will likely lean on experienced attackers and a solid defensive structure. Goalkeepers such as Matz Sels are expected to anchor the back line, while creative talents in midfield and attack provide threats on the counter. Reports indicate striker Romelu Lukaku could miss the U.S. and subsequent Mexico friendlies due to injury concerns, potentially opening opportunities for younger forwards.

The pitch at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to Atlanta United, offers a familiar surface for many U.S.-based players and will serve as a dress rehearsal for World Cup conditions in the Southeast.

Tactical Outlook and Key Battles

Analysts anticipate an open, competitive affair. The U.S. will look to exploit transitions and set pieces, leveraging home crowd energy in a stadium expected to be packed with passionate supporters. Belgium's technical superiority in possession could pose problems if the Americans fail to maintain compactness.

Midfield duels will be critical. The U.S. needs to disrupt Belgium's rhythm while protecting central areas. Up front, Balogun and teammates must convert chances against a defense that has been resolute in qualifying.

Pochettino has stressed the importance of these friendlies not just for results but for building "winning habits" and tactical understanding. A positive showing could boost confidence ahead of tougher tests, including Portugal later in the window.

Predictions vary. Some outlets favor a narrow Belgium win, citing European experience, while others see value in a U.S. upset or draw given the hosts' momentum and home advantage. Betting odds generally list Belgium as slight favorites, but the gap appears smaller than in years past.

Broader Context: Road to 2026

For the United States, these March matches represent critical steps in a compressed preparation schedule. With the World Cup on home soil, expectations are elevated. The team aims to advance from the group stage and make a deeper run than in previous tournaments.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium itself adds symbolism: It will host multiple 2026 World Cup games, including a semifinal, making Saturday's friendly a tangible preview of the atmosphere and logistics the U.S. will face.

Belgium, qualifying comfortably, views the trip as valuable preparation against a motivated host nation. The Red Devils hope to maintain their unbeaten run while integrating squad changes.

What to Watch For

Beyond the scoreline, attention will focus on individual performances that could sway roster decisions. Young U.S. talents will seek to impress Pochettino, while veterans aim to solidify their roles. For Belgium, the emphasis is on cohesion and avoiding unnecessary injuries during a busy travel window.

Fan engagement is expected to be high, with tickets selling briskly for what promises to be a festive occasion blending soccer passion with Atlanta's vibrant sports culture.

The match also underscores soccer's growing footprint in the U.S., as the sport prepares for its biggest moment on American soil. A strong performance could further energize domestic interest heading into the summer.

As kickoff approaches, both camps acknowledge the stakes. For the U.S., it's about proving it can compete with established European powers. For Belgium, it's about maintaining standards while evolving.

Whatever the result, Saturday's encounter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium delivers an early highlight in the countdown to the 2026 World Cup, offering fans a glimpse of the drama and quality expected when the tournament begins in earnest.