The USMNT lost 5-2 to Belgium in a friendly match on Saturday, with Belgium's goals including one from Zeno Debast. The USMNT has lost eight consecutive matches against European opponents. The USMNT is preparing for the 2026 World Cup, which is fewer than 100 days away.
Mauricio Pochettino made multiple lineup changes for the Portugal match compared to the Belgium match. Matt Turner started in goal for the USMNT against Belgium, his first start since June. Matt Freese started in goal for the USMNT against Portugal. Brad Friedel was surprised that Matt Turner played against Belgium instead of Matt Freese. Brad Friedel suggested that Pochettino selected Turner to create competition for the goalkeeper position.
There was a kit clash between the USMNT and Belgium during their match, making it difficult to distinguish the teams. The kits for the USMNT vs. Belgium match were approved in advance by match officials. US Soccer considered fetching alternative kits during the Belgium match but decided it was not viable. Belgium's away kit for the match against the USMNT had a light blue and pink pattern as a nod to surrealist painter Rene Magritte. The USMNT's home kit for the Belgium match featured a red-and-white waving pattern similar to the American flag.
The USMNT had injury concerns with Johnny Cardoso and Auston Trusty during this international window. Tyler Adams, Sergino Dest, and Chris Richards were absent from the USMNT lineup for the Belgium match. Chris Richards returned for the Portugal match wearing a knee brace.
Christian Pulisic played as a central striker for much of the Portugal match. The attendance for the USMNT vs. Portugal match was 72,297, a sellout crowd. Portugal's goals against the USMNT included one from Francisco Trincão and one from João Félix.
Mauricio Pochettino and Belgium manager Rudi Garcia both stated that the 5-2 scoreline flattered Belgium.