The United States, joint hosts of the World Cup, will welcome Belgium for an exhibition match on Saturday, as Mauricio Pochettino’s squad anticipates the commencement of the prestigious tournament in June.
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be the venue for this encounter, which features the US, with only four matches remaining before their opening game against Paraguay on June 13, challenging Belgium, the squad currently placed ninth in the FIFA world rankings.
The home side harbors considerable expectations as they approach the tournament, given that many of their players showcase their skills in Europe’s premier leagues.
The squad remains undefeated in their most recent five matches, a run that includes a remarkable 5-1 rout of Uruguay recorded in November.
As for the away side, although they can no longer rely on their acclaimed “Golden Generation,” Rudi Garcia’s squad remains a formidable opponent, significantly strengthened by the comeback of Kevin De Bruyne.
USA Squad Updates
The US will be missing the quartet of sidelined players: Tyler Adams, Haji Wright, Sergino Dest, and Roman Celentano.
Nevertheless, prominent figures Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Antonee Robinson are all in the starting lineup.
Starting XI: Turner, Robinson, Tessmann, McKennie, Pulisic, Ream (C), Cardoso, Tillman, Balogun, Weah, McKenzie
Subs: Aaronson, Agyemang, Arfsten, Berhalter, Brady, Freeman, Freese, Morris, Pepi, Reyna, Roldan, Scally, Schulte, Trusty
Belgium Squad Updates
The major development from the Belgian squad is Kevin De Bruyne’s recovery and return from injury. The player from Napoli features from the outset and assumes the captaincy.
Romelu Lukaku withdrew from the team due to an injury; concurrently, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is out of action, with Manchester United’s Senne Lammens taking his spot.
Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard is also unavailable.
Belgium XI: Lammens, Debast, Mechele, De Cuyper, Meunier, Raskin, Onana, Doku, Saelemaekers, De Bruyne (C), De Ketelaere
Subs: Vandevoordt, Sels, Theate, Witsel, Tielemans, Openda, Lukebakio, De Winter, Seys, Stassin, Ngoy, Castagne, De Cat, Godts
Viewing Information for USA v Belgium: Television and Online Broadcasts
The match between USA and Belgium commences at 7:30 PM UK time (3:30 PM local time) on the following day. In the United Kingdom, it will be broadcast on Premier Sports 2.
Within the United States, the game will be aired live on TNT and HBO Max. It is also accessible via streaming on Peacock.
Key Statistics for USA v Belgium
- Belgium has suffered only one defeat since Rudi Garcia assumed management in January 2025.
- The US has failed to defeat a European opponent since 2021.