United States x Belgium in a friendly preparatory match for the 2026 World Cup at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium
The Estados Unidos and the Bélgica face each other this Saturday in an international friendly at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in Atlanta. The match takes place at 4:30 pm at Brasília time and serves as preparation for the Copa of Mundo in 2026, of which the North Americans are one of the host countries. The broadcast takes place live on ESPN on closed TV and on Disney+ on streaming.
The Estados Unidos team arrives at the clash motivated after a positive sequence of results. Sob under the command of Mauricio Pochettino, the team has five games without defeat and is coming off a 5-1 defeat against Uruguai. The North Americans did not compete in the Eliminatórias of the Concacaf as they are hosts of the Mundial and use these friendlies to adjust the squad and test tactical combinations.
- Matt Freese should start in goal
- The defense has Chris Richards, Mark McKenzie and Auston Trusty
- In midfield, Timothy Weah, Tanner Tessmann, Weston McKennie and Antonee Robinson play
- Christian Pulisic and Brenden Aaronson form the offensive sector with Folarin Balogun in front
Bélgica is also showing good momentum under the direction of Rudi Garcia. Os Diabos Vermelhos remain unbeaten in nine matches, with five wins in that period, and ended 2025 with an impressive 7-0 victory over Liechtenstein. The European team secured a place in the Copa of the Mundo by leading its group in the Eliminatórias with 18 points in eight games.
Broadcast details and location
The match will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, at Atlanta, at Estados Unidos. Fans can follow the game on ESPN on pay television or on Disney+ on the streaming platform. Local time on Atlanta corresponds to the early afternoon, while on Brasil the broadcast starts at 4:30 pm.
Probable lineups confirmed
The expected Estados Unidos formation includes Matt Freese in goal, with the defensive line consisting of Chris Richards, Mark McKenzie and Auston Trusty. Timothy Weah, Tanner Tessmann, Weston McKennie and Antonee Robinson occupy midfield. Christian Pulisic and Brenden Aaronson act more advanced, with Folarin Balogun as a reference in attack. Mauricio Pochettino must maintain the basis that has been tested in recent commitments.
On the Belgian side, Matz Sels appears as the starting goalkeeper. The defense has Thomas Meunier, Brandon Mechele, Arthur Theate and Timothy Castagne. In midfield, Youri Tielemans, Kevin De Bruyne and Nicolas Raskin form the trio responsible for creation. Alexis Saelemaekers, Charles De Ketelaere and Jeremy Doku complete the attack. Rudi Garcia has an experienced squad at its disposal mixed with youngsters looking for space.
Focus on individual highlights
Christian Pulisic arouses great expectations among North American fans. The AC Milan striker is close to climbing the list of historic top scorers for the Estados Unidos team and could reach a new mark if he scores a goal. Seu recent performance at the Italian club reinforces its importance in the Pochettino scheme for the Copa cycle of Mundo.
Kevin De Bruyne continues as the centerpiece of Bélgica. The midfielder has already surpassed Eden Hazard as the second highest scorer in the history of the Belgian national team and continues to dictate the pace of offensive plays. Sua presence on the field offers high technical quality and experience in major international clashes.
Context of preparation for Mundial
Os Estados Unidos use the friendlies window to give rhythm to the group called up by Pochettino. With 27 players called up for the period, the Argentine coach evaluates options and seeks to consolidate an offensive game identity. The convincing victory over Uruguai served as a confidence booster ahead of hosting a top European team.
Bélgica takes advantage of the trip to Estados Unidos to observe both established players and young players who have not yet debuted for the main team. Rudi Garcia seeks to balance experience and renewal in the squad that will compete in the Copa of the Mundo in 2026. The good performance in the Eliminatórias Europeias gives room for tests without pressure for an immediate result.
Tactical aspects expected in the game
The confrontation should present different rhythms throughout the 90 minutes. The home team tends to exploit the speed of the full-backs and the mobility of Pulisic to create chances. Bélgica, in turn, must control possession of the ball with De Bruyne and Tielemans, seeking to explore spaces behind the North American defense with fast attackers.
The altitude and weather conditions at Atlanta at the end of March also influence the teams’ planning. Coaches must manage substitutions to keep fitness levels high, especially as both teams still have another commitment in this international window.
History and motivation of the selections
Embora is not a traditional classic, the friendly gains relevance due to the technical quality of both sides. The Bélgica arrives with the status of a team ranked among the main teams of the Europa, while the Estados Unidos seek to assert themselves as a growing force in the Américas before playing at home in the Copa of the Mundo.
Fans attending the Mercedes-Benz Stadium should watch a balanced duel, with opportunities for both attacks. The final result will help coaches define details for the final phase of preparation towards the 2026 tournament.
Broadcast and how to follow
In addition to ESPN and Disney+, digital platforms can offer real-time updates on the score and the main plays. Fans who prefer to follow the teams via radio or official apps will also have live coverage options.
The match marks another important step in the countdown to Copa from Mundo. Tanto Estados Unidos and Bélgica see the game as an opportunity to evolve collectively and individually against a qualified opponent.
