Following a lackluster 2-0 loss to a Portugal side that rested Cristiano Ronaldo, Pochettino didn’t mince words about the talent gap his squad currently faces.

“Belgium and Portugal both have players in that ‘top 100’ tier, players performing at the highest elite level. Right now, I don’t think we have that,” Pochettino told reporters. “We have to be honest about where we are if we want to bridge that gap before June.”

A depleted roster or a deeper issue?

While the results were sobering, the USMNT was far from full strength. A localized “injury crisis” in the backline forced Pochettino into experimental lineups, including playing winger Tim Weah at right-back to counter the pace of Belgium’s Jeremy Doku.

The list of absentees for the March window reads like a “who’s who” of the American starting XI:

• Chris Richards (Crystal Palace): Knee inflammation forced him out of camp.
• Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati): Groin injury sustained during training in Atlanta.
• Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven): Still sidelined with a lingering hamstring issue from early March.
• James Sands (NYCFC): Ruled out for the season; his World Cup hopes are effectively over.
• Tyler Adams (Bournemouth): The captain missed the window entirely with a quad injury.
• Antonee “Jedi” Robinson (Fulham): While in camp, the left-back was kept on a strict “minutes restriction.”

Despite the “growing talent” narrative often touted by U.S. Soccer, conceding five goals to Belgium and failing to find the net against Portugal’s B-team highlights a lack of depth that could prove fatal in the group stages.

The road to the final 26

The clock is officially ticking. Pochettino now has less than two months to evaluate his options before the May 30 deadline to submit his final World Cup roster.

Insiders expect the formal announcement to come between May 26 and May 28, just ahead of the team’s final tune-up matches against Senegal and Germany. For the players on the bubble, the “reality check” in Atlanta may have been the final deciding factor in whether they make the flight to the World Cup opener.

Mexico controlled much of the first half, creating the most dangerous chances and neutralizing Belgium’s midfield. Jorge Sanchez found the opener after a corner, rewarding a strong collective performance led by Julian Quinones, who consistently caused problems in the attack.

Belgium improved significantly in the second half, with Dodi Lukebakio scoring a standout equalizer moments after the restart. The game became more physical and balanced, with both teams battling in midfield but struggling to create clear chances late on. In the end, both sides shared the points after a competitive encounter.

[Watch Mexico vs Belgium online in the US on Fubo]

The international friendly window closes with Mexico and Belgium meeting in a matchup featuring teams in contrasting form. Mexico is coming off an uneven scoreless draw against Portugal and will look for a sharper attacking display.

On the other hand will be Belgium, who arrives with confidence after a dominant 5-2 win over the United States. With one side seeking momentum and the other aiming to stay hot, this finale shapes up as a must-watch.

When will the Mexico vs Belgium match be played?

Mexico play against Belgium in a 2026 friendly game this Tuesday, March 31, with the match kicking off at 9:00 PM (ET).

Mexico vs Belgium: Time by State in the USA

ET: 9:00 PM
CT: 8:00 PM
MT: 7:00 PM
PT: 6:00 PM

How to watch Mexico vs Belgium in the USA

This Friendly clash between Mexico and Belgium will be available for viewers in the USA on Fubo. Other options: DirecTV Stream, Univision, TUDN, FOX Deportes and ViX.

Belgium saw Team USA actually score the first goal and have a great first half, but then, the Red Devils took matters into their own hands. It’s like USA’s goal made Belgium woke up and unleash their power.

As for Team USA, the fact is that the alarms are going off. As soon as Belgium turned up the heat at the end of the first half, Pochettino’s side had no answers whatsoever to turn things around.

[Watch United States vs Belgium online in the US on Fubo]

As preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensify, marquee friendlies are taking center stage—and this matchup between the United States and Belgium is one to watch. Belgium, a traditional WC team, brings a deep, dangerous roster with serious title ambitions.

Facing the European side will be the host United States, who continues fine-tuning its squad ahead of the big stage. With both sides treating this as a key test against top-tier competition, expect a high-level battle you won’t want to miss.

When will the United States vs Belgium match be played?

United States clash with Belgium in a 2026 friendly game this Saturday, March 28, with the match kicking off at 3:30 PM (ET).

United States vs Belgium: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:30 PM
CT: 2:30 PM
MT: 1:30 PM
PT: 12:30 PM

How to watch United States vs Belgium in the USA

This Friendly clash between United States and Belgium will be available for viewers in the USA on Fubo. Other options: DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Peacock Premium, Sling Orange, Max, TNT, TruTV, Telemundo and Universo.

This game gives each team a chance to adjust tactics and evaluate players against high-level competition. USA arrives looking to build consistency, while Belgium continues to rely on its experience and depth as one of Europe’s top teams.

With no recent meetings between the two sides, the match brings some uncertainty. USA is expected to focus on pace and quick transitions, while Belgium will likely aim to control possession and dictate the tempo.

USA confirmed lineup

The USA’s confirmed lineup sets up in a 4-3-3 built on midfield balance and wide attacking threats: Turner; Robinson, Ream, McKenzie; Tessmann, Johnny, McKennie; Tillman, Balogun, Weah, Pulisic.

Belgium confirmed lineup

Belgium will take the field with a confirmed XI in a 4-2-3-1 designed for midfield control and dynamic wide play: Lammens; Debast, Mechele, De Cuyper, Meunier; Raskin, Onana; Doku, De Bruyne, Saelemaekers; De Ketelaere.

Belgium’s strong +15 goal difference has been a key factor throughout the qualifiers, giving them a meaningful cushion even in the event of an unexpected result. However, with the final matchday underway, the margin for error has tightened.

North Macedonia and Wales remain close enough to punish any Belgian slip, ensuring that the stakes are high as the group reaches its conclusion. This is what each scenario means for Belgium in their push toward the 2026 World Cup.

What happens if Belgium win vs Liechtenstein today?

If Belgium defeat Liechtenstein today, they will reach 18 points, securing first place and guaranteeing direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup. A victory would officially confirm their place among the 48 nations competing in the expanded tournament.

What happens if Belgium and Liechtenstein tie?

A draw would give Belgium 16 points, keeping them in a strong position to qualify for the World Cup. North Macedonia and Wales play each other, so only one of them could reach 16 points with a win. Belgium’s +15 goal difference gives them a clear advantage, but a draw does not guarantee direct qualification if points end up level at the top of the group.

What happens if Belgium lose vs Liechtenstein?

A defeat would leave Belgium at 15 points, potentially opening the door for North Macedonia or Wales to overtake them if either team wins. That scenario would drop Belgium to second place, sending them to the UEFA playoffs. While a loss would not eliminate them from World Cup contention, it would turn an otherwise straightforward qualification into a far more delicate and high-pressure path.

Kazakhstan enters the game largely playing for pride — they are already out of the running for a top two group finish. That reality gives Belgium a significant advantage, but complacency could still bite; underestimating the opponent would be a costly mistake in such a high-stakes contest.

With qualification on the line, Belgium’s coach will likely field a strong lineup, leaning on his most proven players rather than using the match as an experiment. The Red Devils are expected to come out with all cylinders firing in Astana.

What happens if Belgium win today vs Kazakhstan?

A win for Belgium would guarantee they finish first in Group J, locking up automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. With their superior record and goal difference, three points here would make their final qualifier largely a formality.

What if Belgium and Kazakhstan tie?

A draw would keep Belgium at the top of the group, but the margin for error would narrow. While they’d retain the lead, they may not secure final qualification without a strong result in their remaining game, depending on other teams’ performances.

What happens if Belgium lose vs Kazakhstan today?

A loss would deal a blow to Belgium’s direct qualification hopes. It could open the door for Wales or North Macedonia to challenge for the top spots, forcing Belgium into a more stressful final match or potentially into the playoff route.

[Watch Argentina U17 vs Belgium U17 online in the US on Fubo]

The 2025 U17 World Cup kicks off with a marquee matchup as Argentina U17, the reigning overall champions and U20 runners-up, make their tournament debut, carrying high expectations thanks to the nation’s storied tradition of producing elite talent.

Their first test comes against Belgium U17 side known for developing standout players in recent years. Fans can anticipate a high-intensity opener as both teams aim to assert themselves from the start, making this Matchday 1 game of the best showdowns of the tournament.

When will the Argentina U17 vs Belgium U17 match be played?

Argentina U17 will play against Belgium U17 on Monday, November 3, for the Matchday 1 of the 2025 U17 World Cup group stage. The clash is scheduled to kick off at 9:45 AM (ET).

Argentina U17 vs Belgium U17: Time by State in the USA

ET: 9:45 AM
CT: 8:45 AM
MT: 7:45 AM
PT: 6:45 AM

How to watch Argentina U17 vs Belgium U17 in the USA

Don’t miss this exciting 2025 U17 World Cup match between Argentina U17 and Belgium U17 in the USA. Watch the match on Fubo. Other options: Universo, Telemundo, Amazon Prime Video, FOX One and Fox Sports 2.

[Watch Spain vs Belgium live for FREE in the USA on Fubo]

Spain and Belgium enter this matchup on opposite trajectories after the opening round of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 group stage. The reigning world champions made an emphatic statement with a 5-0 rout of Portugal and are now eyeing early qualification.

Belgium, on the other hand, fell 1-0 to Italy and find themselves in a must-win situation. Facing one of the tournament favorites, they’ll need a resilient performance to keep their hopes alive and avoid an early exit.

When will the Spain vs Belgium match be played?

Spain play against Belgium this Monday, July 7, in the Matchday 1 of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 group stage. The match is scheduled to begin at 12:00 PM (ET).

Spain vs Belgium: Time by State in the USA

ET: 12:00 PM
CT: 11:00 AM
MT: 10:00 PAM
PT: 9:00 AM

How to watch Spain vs Belgium the USA

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match featuring Spain and Belgium will be broadcast in the USA through Fubo (free trial). Other options: Fox Sports, ViX.

[Watch Belgium vs Wales online for FREE in the US on Fubo]

Belgium’s qualifying campaign got off to a rocky start as the Red Devils—expected to cruise to victory—were held to a frustrating home draw by North Macedonia, handing the underdogs a priceless point.

Now, with Kevin De Bruyne leading the charge, Belgium must regroup quickly to face a red-hot Wales, who’ve racked up seven points from nine and know that top spot hinges on delivering a statement result in Brussels.

When will the Belgium vs Wales match be played?

Belgium play against Wales this Monday, June 9, for Matchday 4 of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. The match is set to kick off at 2:45 PM (ET).

Belgium vs Wales: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:45 PM
CT: 1:45 PM
MT: 12:45 PM
PT: 11:45 AM

How to watch Belgium vs Wales in the USA

The UEFA World Cup Qualifiers matchup between Belgium and Wales will be available for viewers in the USA via Fubo with a free trial. Other options: Amazon Prime Video, Tubi, ViX.