International Soccer
USMNT vs. Belgium: Key Takeaways from a Reality Check in Atlanta
The United States men’s national team opened 2026 with a harsh reminder of the gap that still exists between themselves and the world’s best, falling 5-2 to Belgium in Atlanta.
Despite a promising first half and a goal from Weston McKennie, the match quickly unraveled into a tactical and cultural exposure against one of Europe’s top sides. Here are the biggest takeaways from the defeat:
1. You Can’t Go Toe-to-Toe with Elite Nations
There is a growing concern with the USMNT’s approach in matches against top-tier opposition: trying to beat them at their own game. Against players like Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku, attempting to simply “play your style” without adjustment is a losing formula. The U.S. continues to approach these matches as if it can impose itself technically and tactically on elite nations, but the results consistently say otherwise. At this level, game plans need to reflect the opponent, not just internal identity.
2. No Tactical Adjustments Versus World-Class Threats
One of the most concerning aspects of the performance was the lack of defensive planning. Doku repeatedly found himself isolated in space without consistent cover from USMNT defenders. There were no clear doubling patterns, no aggressive traps, and no visible effort to force him into less dangerous areas. Similarly, De Bruyne was allowed to operate without disruption. At the international level, failing to neutralize key players is problematic.
3. Defensive Structure Still a Concern
Under Mauricio Pochettino, defensive organization in a back four remains unresolved. The U.S. struggled with spacing, recovery runs, and overall shape once Belgium found its rhythm. The second half exposed a team that lacks clarity out of possession, especially when forced to defend transitions. If this system is going to work, structure, discipline, and clarity need to happen.
4. This Team Is Not Built for Possession Dominance
The U.S. is at its best when attacking space, not breaking down organized defenses. The attacking picture becomes clear when gaps open in transition, and players like Antonee Robinson can drive forward. When Belgium dropped deeper in the second half and challenged the U.S. to create, the limitations became clear. As the Americans committed numbers forward, they became increasingly vulnerable in transition, which Belgium exploited repeatedly, particularly through Doku. This is not a team currently equipped to control games through possession against elite opponents due to their lack of creativity and composure.
5. A Cultural Issue: Comfort Over Competitiveness
There appears to be a mentality problem within the squad. Many of the U.S. players return from successful club environments in Europe and step into the national team camp without the same edge. Instead of approaching these matches with urgency fire, the team looks comfortable and borderline entitled. Compare that to a nation in our region like Canada, which has embraced being difficult to play against under Jesse Marsch. They defend as a unit, fight for every possession, and lean into collective identity over individual expression. The U.S., on the other hand, too often drifts into an “ego game,” trying to prove it can outplay superior opposition instead of outworking them.
6. Misplaced Trust in Individuals Over Collective Solutions
The handling of Tim Ream and the reliance on Christian Pulisic highlight a broader issue in how the U.S. approaches these matches. Ream’s inclusion emphasized comfort on the ball over defensive suitability for the opponent. While his passing ability is valuable, this level exposes physical limitations, particularly when isolated against pace. It’s not a criticism of the player, but of the decision to place him in a role where he’s likely to struggle. Ream’s time was already running thin, but the failure to play him in a system that protects his weaknesses has only further damaged his chances for World Cup 26. At the same time, the attack leans too heavily on Pulisic to create moments. That dynamic becomes predictable against top defenses, which are more than capable of neutralizing a single focal point. Players like Folarin Balogun, Gio Reyna, and Malik Tillman must take on greater responsibility in the final third. Until the team functions more cohesively on both ends, individual talent will continue to be miscast rather than maximized.
7. Pochettino Has to Justify the Hire
The hiring of Mauricio Pochettino was meant to elevate the U.S. tactically beyond the ceiling reached under Gregg Berhalter. So far, matches like this raise more questions than answers. There are still gaps in defensive identity, game management, and opponent-specific planning. These are exactly the areas he was brought in to fix, and against Belgium, there was little visible progress. With a World Cup on home soil approaching, that margin for error is shrinking fast.
Although American culture is based on the idea of always being #1, soccer is a unique beast. Countries have mastered it, while we are still learning the ropes. It is in the hands of Mauricio Pochettino to understand that dynamic and shape this team accordingly to maximize our potential come June.
Upcoming Fixture
The USMNT will have a chance at ironing out its defensive issues on Tuesday, March 31st, when they take on Portugal. The match is set to kick off at 7 p.m. in Atlanta and will prove to be a huge test given the sheer amount of talent on the Portuguese roster. Hot off their Nations League success in 2025, Roberto Martinez and his men are looking to build on a lackluster 0-0 draw with Mexico.
