USA's Stars Able to Redeem Themselves in But One other Robust Pre-World Cup Check

[ad_1] Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) — Strolling the streets of Georgia’s stately capital on Saturday, shortly earlier than the USA males’s nationwide group’s World Cup warm-up in opposition to Belgium, the joy among the many residence group’s followers was palpable.

Below a cloudless sky, supporters of all ages wore these swanky new USA jerseys and ear-to-ear smiles. Inside "The Benz," a packed home of almost 67,000 danced within the stands and mugged for the Jumbotron simply earlier than kickoff.

USA followers have been eager for a strong exhibiting by Mauricio Pochettino's squad in Atlanta. (Photograph by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Photographs)

Some 85 minutes later, although, the temper among the many trustworthy that had packed the house of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and MLS facet Atlanta United had shifted utterly. Down 4 objectives to FIFA’s ninth-ranked group, whole sections of seats emptied as 1000's of those self same followers headed to the exits in droves earlier than Patrick Agyemang pulled again a late comfort tally for Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.

The USA got here out trying sharp however finally wilted in opposition to Belgium. (Getty)

After the ultimate whistle within the 5-2 drubbing mercifully sounded, the dejected American gamers struggled to elucidate what had simply occurred. However in addition they vowed to try to make it proper, proper again right here on Tuesday, when a stout Portugal facet involves city for the second of the Stars-and-Stripes' two video games this month.

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They’d higher. In any case, the USA' co-hosting duties (alongside Canada and Mexico) for this version of the 48-team World Cup – the biggest ever in historical past — is now simply over two months away.

[WHEN AND WHERE: Full Schedule for 2026 FIFA World Cup]

Jeremy Doku and Belgium outlasted Christian Pulisic and the USA. (Getty)

"We've one other alternative in opposition to a powerful group on Tuesday," U.S. headliner Christian Pulisic advised FOX Sports activities and different retailers following Saturday’s debacle. "We wish to get consequence and really feel good going into the World Cup."

"We'll return over video, and we'll see what we lacked, or the place we may have accomplished higher, after which put together," mentioned star midfielder Weston McKennie, scorer of the Individuals' first purpose.

"We've an vital sport in opposition to Portugal," added winger-turned-fullback Tim Weah. "We simply must get again into coaching and work on some stuff. We've to bounce again."

It doesn’t matter that each one concerned agreed that the consequence was nearer than that scoreline would point out. The hosts took the lead in opposition to Belgium and almost went into the locker room at halftime up by one, solely to concede a preventable equalizer mere seconds earlier than the break.

The guests then bagged two extra earlier than the competition reached the 60-minute mark, together with a penalty that Pochettino insisted should not have been awarded. At that time, although, the result was most likely inevitable.

In opposition to the Portuguese, the U.S. should preserve the rating shut.

It’s a sensible goal. Roberto Martinez’s facet, which defeated Spain to win the UEFA Nations League title final summer time, have been held and not using a purpose in Mexico Metropolis afterward Saturday on the re-opening of the legendary Estadio Azteca. Finally, Portugal settled for a scoreless tie with fellow World Cup co-hosts El Tri regardless of possessing the ball for a whopping 67 % of the match.

Portugal, even with out famous person Cristiano Ronaldo, figures to be rather a lot higher in Atlanta. The U.S. could have their palms full with the likes of Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes and PSG's Nuno Mendes. To have any likelihood of avoiding one other embarrassment, they’ll must play a way more full match.

Bruno Fernandes and Portugal will give the USA a giant take a look at on Tuesday in Atlanta. (Photograph by Agustin Cuevas/Getty Photographs)

"I wish to watch [the Belgium loss] again and see how we are able to place ourselves a bit higher after we are attacking as a bunch, to maintain assaults a bit bit longer, and never have issues in transition," mentioned Pulisic, who hasn’t scored for the nationwide group since 2024 or for his membership, AC Milan, since November.

On Saturday, Pulisic squandered a golden alternative simply earlier than Belgium took a lead they’d by no means relinquish, one among a number of key moments that would've gone otherwise.

Greater than something, although, the USA can’t afford to let their resistance drop halfway by a second consecutive outing. In opposition to FIFA’s No. 6-ranked facet, any let-off in effort guarantees to be as soon as once more punished with ruthless effectivity. Simply as will probably be if and when Pulisic & Co. come up in opposition to another heavyweight foe throughout the primary occasion’s knockout rounds this summer time.

"One of many issues that we are able to work on," McKennie mentioned, "is with the ability to keep constant in how we begin the sport to how we end it with the identical depth."

For a sport that received’t depend within the standings, the strain to not lay one other egg in entrance of an enormous, pro-American viewers is apparent.

"All of us must look into the mirror," goalkeeper Matt Turner mentioned after Saturday's loss. For him and the remainder of his teammates, Tuesday’s match can’t come quickly sufficient.

"We all know we are able to do higher," McKennie reiterated. "We all know what went mistaken, however we additionally know and consider absolutely that we are able to play with groups of this caliber."

They're going to quickly get one other likelihood to show it and, within the course of, give the diehards within the stands some renewed optimism moderately than one other dose of dejection.

"We wish to get consequence on Tuesday," Pulisic mentioned. "And that is what we'll do."

2026 FIFA World Cup: How To Watch The World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Unfold throughout three international locations, the match will culminate with the ultimate on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 match matches will air dwell throughout FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with each match streaming dwell and on-demand inside each the FOX One and the FOX Sports activities apps.