7M - International Friendly Preview: USA vs Belgium prediction, team news, lineups

The USA and Belgium meet at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Mar 28, 2026 at 7.30pm in a friendly rematch of their memorable 2014 World Cup clash.

Recent form and momentum

Both teams arrive with strong momentum, and each has shown tighter control in recent outings.

The USA have been in fine form heading into 2026, winning their final three matches of 2025 and going unbeaten in their last five. In that run, they conceded a goal or fewer each time, and they have not allowed a second-half strike in their last six internationals.

Belgium, meanwhile, head into the match under Rudi Garcia, who has taken charge in January 2025 and has seen his side lose only one match since, including a 3-1 win over Ukraine. Belgium are also unbeaten in their last four internationals away from home, conceding one goal or fewer in three of those.

Head to head and the Atlanta factor

This will be a notable stage for the USA, because it is their fifth men squad appearance in Atlanta. They lost their only previous game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 2-1 to Panama during the 2024 Copa America.

Against Belgium, the last meeting in major tournaments dates back to the 2014 World Cup, where the Red Devils won 2-1. Earlier World Cup history also shows Belgium have beaten the USA repeatedly since that 1930 meeting, winning their last five against them.

Attack and defensive themes

USA profile lately suggests a more controlled defensive approach. Belgium's profile suggests they can manage games effectively too, especially after scoring early. Last year, Belgium remained unbeaten after conceding the opening goal, drawing Kazakhstan 1-1 and coming from behind to beat Wales 4-2.

For the USA, their best path is to keep Belgium from finding consistency in midfield and to exploit moments in wide areas, while Belgium's best route may come through their overall experience and ability to respond under pressure.

Team news

The USA have several issues across roles: Tyler Adams misses out with an MCL problem, while Haji Wright has a sore groin. Sergino Dest is dealing with a hamstring strain, and Roman Celentano is also out with a knock.

Christian Pulisic is close to matching Eric Wynaldas for fourth all-time in USA goals, and Folarin Balogun has been in good scoring form, netting four times for Monaco in February and having five goals in his club's last six.

Belgium have their own injury setbacks: Romelu Lukaku is withdrawn with a sore hamstring. Hans Vanaken and Leandro Trossard are also left out with injuries.

Defensively, Thibaut Courtois has a thigh injury, while the profile of Belgium's attack includes key names such as Kevin De Bruyne, who scored six times for Belgium in 2025.

Possible lineups

USA: Freese; Richards, McKenzie, Trusty; Weah, Tessmann, McKennie, A. Robinson; Pulisic, Aaronson; Balogun
Belgium: Sels; Meunier, Mechele, Theate, Castagne; Tielemans, De Bruyne, Raskin; Saelemaekers, De Ketelaere, Doku

Prediction: USA 1-2 Belgium