USA World Cup Reality Check: Pochettino Sees Belgium Loss As Positive For USA

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The United States slipped to a 5-2 defeat against Belgium in a friendly at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, ending a five-match unbeaten run and exposing issues before the World Cup. Mauricio Pochettino still viewed the setback as useful preparation for Group D, where the United States start against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12.

Belgium overturned a 1-0 deficit after Weston McKennie scored in the 39th minute, then dominated the match. Zeno Debast, Amadou Onana and Charles De Ketelaere turned the score to 3-1, before substitute Dodi Lukebakio struck twice. Patrick Agyemang reduced the damage late, but the United States could not respond further.

Pochettino stressed the result should sharpen minds within the squad after a run of four wins and one draw in 2025. The coach insisted that a setback now could stop any complacency as the World Cup co-hosts prepare for stronger tournament opposition, starting with Paraguay in a challenging Group D opener.

Pochettino did not hide the scoreline but underlined the value of the experience. "To feel pain is sometimes good, Pochettino told reporters. It is true that we lost 5-2 and from there, you can't say anything that can convince people there are positives. But I think there are many positive things that we are seeing in the dressing room, and these types of results, it is better if they happen now. It's a good reality check for us. I think we need competitive games to arrive at the World Cup at our best. We cannot arrive with the wrong idea that we are so good, thinking, 'we are so handsome, we are so well-dressed and we are Americans.' It's good to feel that, but if we want to win the World Cup, if we want to go to the next round and we want to beat Paraguay, do you think that they are not going to fight?"

Belgium’s control showed clearly in the numbers, with 21 shots to the United States’ 12. Expected goals also reflected that dominance, at 2.34 for Belgium against 1.33 for the hosts. The defeat was the United States’ heaviest home loss after scoring first since May 1959, when England won 8-1.

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Christian Pulisic again struggled in front of goal and did not hit the target with any of three attempts. The attacker is now seven matches without a goal for the United States, having last scored internationally in November 2024. That drought adds pressure as attacking efficiency becomes central before the World Cup.

Pulisic accepted responsibility after the match and outlined the standards required. "We have to beat teams like this if we want to have a chance to go far in the tournament, Pulisic said afterwards. Of course, I'm disappointed. I have to finish my chances. They were not easy chances, but there were certain moments where I expected to do better, for sure."

The schedule offers little respite, with Portugal awaiting Pochettino’s side in another testing friendly on Tuesday. That fixture, combined with the loss to Belgium, is likely to provide more evidence on squad depth, mentality and tactical balance as the United States attempt to adjust before hosting World Cup matches.