Last Word on Football brings you the latest team news and the confirmed lineups for the USMNT vs Belgium international friendly at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The 2026 World Cup is edging closer, with the pressure building on every qualified country. The USMNT will be eager to make an impact at this summer\u2019s competition, with the U.S. being one of the competition’s co-hosts alongside Canada and Mexico. Belgium travel to the U.S. on a nine-match undefeated streak.<\/p>\n
Mauricio Pochettino\u2019s squad appears to be coming together as we edge closer to this summer\u2019s World Cup. The USMNT coach appears confident his squad can make an impact this summer. Building up to the Belgium game, Pochettino repeated a message he delivered directly to his players:<\/p>\n \u201cDreams,\u201d he said<\/span><\/a>, \u201cinspire reality.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI hear another day a press conference from some coaching staff in another national team and (they) say, `OK, if we say we are going to win, we are showing too much arrogance,\u2019\u201d he explained. \u201cIf we say, well, it is going to be difficult to win. It\u2019s negative. It\u2019s not optimistic. It\u2019s creating negative things. What I am saying: I am here because I believe that we can win and what I can tell to the people is really believe,\u201d added the USMNT coach.<\/p>\n Read More<\/strong>: The Cost of the World Cup for England Fans<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWe need to send the right energy and good emotion to the people, for the people to really believe in us and to support us, for sure,\u201d Pochettino said.<\/p>\n Key midfielder Tyler Adams<\/span><\/a> will be missing, following his injury in training before Bournemouth\u2019s recent Premier League fixture against Burnley. Tanner Tessmann should continue in midfield, with Sebastian Berhalter, Johnny Cardoso, Aidan Morris, or Cristian Roldan competing to partner him.<\/p>\n Despite some key players missing, Belgium have travelled with a strong squad. Thibaut Courtois is not with the squad<\/span><\/a>, so Nottingham Forest\u2019s Matz Sels and Manchester United\u2019s Senne Lammens are competing for a start.<\/p>\n Since the era of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen has ended, Belgium have been searching for a strong defensive partnership. Eintracht Frankfurt\u2019s Arthur Theate has started the last three games, and it looks to be more of a question of who will partner him for this game.<\/p>\nUSMNT Team News<\/h3>\n
Belgium Team News<\/h3>\n