The excitement was palpable in the streets of Atlanta on Saturday, as fans geared up for the United States men's national team's (USMNT) World Cup warm-up match against Belgium. With clear skies above and nearly 67,000 fans packed inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, spirits were high as supporters cheered on their team in brand-new USA jerseys. However, just 85 minutes later, the mood had drastically changed. After a 5-2 defeat to Belgium, fans began leaving the stadium early, disappointed by a result that left the team with a lot of soul-searching to do.
Despite the heavy loss, the USMNT is determined to bounce back, with an important match against Portugal scheduled for Tuesday. With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, the team has little time to waste, and they know they must improve to be competitive on the world’s biggest stage.
USMNT's Post-Belgium Reflections and Challenges Ahead
Following the loss to Belgium, the USMNT players were left grappling with the performance. Though they took an early lead and were close to going into halftime ahead, a late equalizer from Belgium shifted the momentum. The U.S. then conceded two more goals in the second half, including a controversial penalty. The team struggled to cope with Belgium’s ruthless efficiency, and now, with the World Cup less than three months away, the USMNT faces the challenge of regrouping.
“We know we can do better,” midfielder Weston McKennie said after the match. "We have to stay consistent and make sure our intensity doesn’t drop, especially against top teams." His sentiment was echoed by Christian Pulisic, who emphasized the need to review the match thoroughly, identify areas of improvement, and be ready for the next challenge. With Portugal coming to Atlanta on Tuesday, the team is looking to regain its confidence and put up a much stronger performance.
A Strong Portugal Test Awaits: How the USMNT Can Improve
Despite Portugal’s own struggles in Mexico City, where they drew 0-0 with El Tri, the U.S. faces a tough task against a side that boasts talent such as Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and PSG’s Nuno Mendes. Even without Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal remains a formidable opponent. For the U.S. to avoid another heavy defeat, the key will be to tighten their defense and maintain pressure throughout the entire match.
Pulisic, who has not scored for the national team since 2024, emphasized that the team needs to improve on sustaining attacks and positioning better in the offensive third. McKennie also pointed out the importance of finishing strong, saying, “We need to maintain the same intensity from start to finish.”
As the U.S. prepares for their second match in the World Cup build-up, they must learn from their mistakes, tighten up their defense, and find a way to stay competitive against elite opposition. If they can do that, the result on Tuesday could shift the mood and provide the team with much-needed momentum heading into the World Cup.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner, and with the U.S. co-hosting alongside Canada and Mexico, the pressure is on for the national team to perform at its best. The match against Portugal is more than just a warm-up—it's an opportunity to recalibrate and prove that they can hang with the world's best teams.
For the U.S., the stakes are high. The team has the talent, but it needs to deliver when it matters. As Pulisic said, “We want to get a good result on Tuesday, and that's what we’re going to do.” The U.S. will have another chance to show their growth and commitment, and fans will be hoping for a much-improved performance that will leave them optimistic as the World Cup draws nearer.
2026 FIFA World Cup Viewing Information
The 2026 World Cup will take place from June 11–July 19, 2026, with matches held across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The final will be held at the New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford. All 104 tournament matches will be available live on FOX and FS1, with streaming available through the FOX One and FOX Sports apps.
