Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: United States-Belgium, likely lineups

At 8:30 p.m. Italian time Saturday, Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosts the match between the United States and Belgium. Mauricio Pochettino’s U.S. is looking for confirmation after its recent win against Uruguay, measuring itself against an important lineup in European soccer. For Rudi Garcia’s Belgium, on the other hand, it’s a chance to consolidate progress and test the condition of possible recipients for the call-up to the rainbow tournament.

Pochettino will line up his men with a dynamic setup. In goal will be Freese, protected by a three-man line consisting of Richards, McKenzie and Trusty. In midfield, the substance of McKennie and Tessmann will be supported by the push on the flanks of Weah and Antonee Robinson. In the three-quarter, star Christian Pulisic and Aaronson will be tasked with inventing and serving the lone forward Balogun.

Garcia will respond, in all likelihood, with a 4-3-3. Between the posts will be Sels, with a defense led by Theate and Mechele, while Meunier and Castagne will act as full-backs. Midfield is the elite department with Kevin De Bruyne in the “inventor” role, flanked by Tielemans and Raskin. Up front, room for Milan’s talented Saelemaekers and Atalanta’s De Ketelaere, with Jeremy Doku’s speed completing the department.

Probable formations

UNITED STATES (3-4-2-1): Freese; Richards, McKenzie, Trusty; Weah, Tessmann, McKennie, A. Robinson; Pulisic, Aaronson; Balogun. All. Pochettino.

BELGIUM (4-3-3): Sels; Meunier, Mechele, Theate, Castagne; Tielemans, De Bruyne, Raskin; Saelemaekers, De Ketelaere, Doku. All. R. Garcia.