friendly
7:30 p.mMarch 28, 2026
International friendly
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Referee: Esteban Ostojich, Uruguay
USA
Belgium
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0.00
Expected Goals (xG)
0.00
Passing by
394 (85%)
Accurate passes
379 (85%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
1
G
Matt Turner
6.3
d
Antonee Robinson
39′
13
d
Tim Ream (C)
6.2
22
d
Mark McKenzie
6.2
21
d
Timothy Weah
6.2
6
m
Tanner Tessmann
6.9
15
m
Johnny Cardoso
6.6
10
m
Christian Pulisic
6.7
17
m
Malik Tillman
7.0
m
Weston McKennie
19′ Holding39′
20
F
Folarin Balogun
6.3
trainer
Mauricio Pochettino
1
G
Senne Lammens
6.6
5
d
Maxim de Cuyper
6.9
4
d
Brandon Mechele
6.9
d
Tomás Meunier
68′ m
Amadou Onana
53′
23
m
Nicholas Raskin
6.6
11
m
Jeremy Doku
7.2
7
m
Kevin De Bruyne (C)
7.0
m
Alexis Saelemaekers
53′ F
Charles De Ketelaere
59′
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – Belgium unleashed a dominant second-half display to beat the USA 5-2 in an international friendly at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Dodi Lukebakio proved to be the hero for the Red Devils, scoring twice to seal a commanding win after a tight first half.
The much-anticipated friendly saw both nations test their squads ahead of crucial upcoming matches. The USA, playing at home, aimed to show its growing strength. Belgium arrived with their reputation as a strong European team, ready to make a statement.
The first half was an even match, with the home team promising. American midfielder Weston McKennie was shown a yellow card in the 19th minute for holding. He then gave the home side the lead in the 39th minute, guiding home a finish after a neat pass from Antonee Robinson.
However, Belgium responded quickly to equalize just before the break. Zeno Debast found the goal in the 45th minute, securing the tie at the break. That late equalizer swung the momentum to the visitors.
At the break, the score was 1-1, but Belgium had begun to assert themselves. The US needed to strengthen its defense and maintain its offensive momentum. However, the Red Devils emerged from the tunnel with renewed energy and tactical adjustments.
Belgium took control immediately in the second half. Midfielder Amadou Onana fired them ahead in the 53rd minute, converting an assist from Alexis Saelemaekers. Their pressure soon led to more goals, leaving the American defense on the prowl.
Just six minutes later, Charles De Ketelaere extended Belgium’s lead from the penalty spot in the 59th minute. This goal gave the visitors a comfortable two-goal lead. Belgium then made a slew of substitutions, adding new attacking options.
Substitute Dodi Lukebakio made a quick impact, adding to the score in the 68th minute. He finished a precise pass from Thomas Meunier to put Belgium firmly in front. USA also brought in several new players, looking to change the flow of the game.
Lukebakio wasn’t done, completing his brace in the 82nd minute with another well-taken goal. His second strike underlined Belgium’s dominance and finishing ability. USA substitute Patrick Agyemang grabbed a consolation goal in the 87th minute, assisted by Ricardo Pepi, but it was too little, too late.
Belgium’s victory was supported statistically, recording a total of 21 shots with 10 on target, while the USA had 12 shots with 5 on target. Although the United States had 52% possession, Belgium made their chances count. Dodi Lukebakio earned the highest rating for his two-goal performance.
This result offers a clear lesson for the US as it continues its development on the international stage. Belgium, meanwhile, demonstrated its depth and offensive firepower, reinforcing its status as a formidable opponent on the international football scene.
