The United States national soccer team, co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, suffered a humiliating 5-2 defeat to Belgium in a friendly match, serving as a stark wake-up call just 75 days before the tournament. Despite a recent run of good results, the US side was exposed against top European opposition, with the game in Atlanta drawing a crowd of 67,000. Weston McKennie gave the US an early lead, but Belgium responded swiftly with goals from Zeno Debast, Amadou Onana, Charles De Ketelaere, and a brace from substitute Dodi Lukebakio. A late consolation goal from Patrick Agyemang did little to mask the comprehensive nature of the defeat.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino described the loss as a "good reality check," emphasizing the need for improvement as the team prepares for another high-profile friendly against Portugal before announcing its final squad in May. This defeat highlights the challenges facing the US team, whose prospects for a deep World Cup run may hinge on overcoming elite European sides, a task they have consistently struggled with in recent years.
Meanwhile, Mexico played to a goalless draw with Portugal in a match marking the reopening of the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City ahead of the World Cup. The event was marred by tragedy when a man, reportedly intoxicated, fell to his death after attempting to climb between seating levels shortly before kickoff. Security officials confirmed the incident, which cast a shadow over the festive atmosphere at the stadium, a venue that hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals and will stage five matches in the upcoming tournament after renovations.
Portugal fielded a side missing key forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Leao but still posed a threat, with João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos coming close to scoring. Coach Roberto Martínez acknowledged his team's lack of accuracy in front of goal but argued that the experience would better prepare them for the World Cup. Mexico, booed by sections of the home crowd at full-time, now turns its attention to a friendly against Belgium, as both co-hosts fine-tune their preparations.
In other international action, Germany edged Switzerland 4-3 in an entertaining clash, with Florian Wirtz scoring twice and providing two assists. The 22-year-old, who missed the 2022 World Cup due to injury, delivered arguably his best performance for the national team, though he cautioned that the path to the final and potential trophy victory would be arduous. These results underscore the intense preparations underway as teams gear up for the global tournament, with the US defeat particularly raising questions about its readiness to compete at the highest level.
Source: www.aljazeera.com