USA
BelgiumHow did the teams perform?
USA
Belgium
Match Stats
Lineup
USA
39'
19' Holding
39'
87'
71' Replaced by C. Pulisic
64' Replaced by A. Robinson
87'
71' Replaced by F. Balogun
46' Replaced by J. Cardoso
70' Replaced by W. McKennie
64' Replaced by T. Weah
81'
Foul
71' Replaced by M. Tillman
64' Replaced by T. Tessmann
Belgium
45'
68'
53'
53'
59'
62' Replaced by C. De Ketelaere
68'
82'
62' Replaced by A. Saelemaekers
70' Replaced by J. Doku
70' Replaced by K. De Bruyne
70' Replaced by A. Onana
61' Replaced by M. De Cuyper
62' Replaced by Z. Debast
70' Replaced by N. Raskin
62' Replaced by B. Mechele
70' Replaced by T. Meunier
No standings data available for this league
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – Belgium unleashed a dominant second-half display to overpower the USA 5-2 in a friendly international at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Dodi Lukebakio proved the hero for the Red Devils, scoring twice to seal a commanding victory after a close first half.
The anticipated friendly saw both nations test their squads ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures. The USA, playing on home soil, aimed to show their growing strength. Belgium arrived with their reputation as a strong European team, ready to make a statement.
The first half saw an even contest, with the home side showing flashes of promise. USA midfielder Weston McKennie received a yellow card in the 19th minute for holding. He then gave the hosts the lead in the 39th minute, guiding home a finish following a good pass from Antonee Robinson.
However, Belgium responded quickly to level the score just before the break. Zeno Debast found the net in the 45th minute, ensuring a level score at halftime. This late equalizer shifted momentum towards the visitors.
At halftime, the score was 1-1, but Belgium had started to assert themselves. The USA needed to tighten their defence and maintain their attacking impetus. However, the Red Devils emerged from the tunnel with renewed energy and tactical adjustments.
Belgium seized control immediately in the second half. Midfielder Amadou Onana fired them ahead in the 53rd minute, converting an assist from Alexis Saelemaekers. Their pressure soon brought more goals, leaving the USA defence scrambling.
Just six minutes later, Charles De Ketelaere extended Belgium’s lead from the penalty spot in the 59th minute. This goal gave the visitors a comfortable two-goal lead. Belgium then made a flurry of substitutions, adding fresh attacking options.
Substitute Dodi Lukebakio quickly made an impact, adding to the scoring in the 68th minute. He finished a precise pass from Thomas Meunier, putting Belgium in firm command. The USA also brought on several new players, seeking to change the game’s flow.
Lukebakio was not done, completing his double in the 82nd minute with another well-taken goal. His second strike underscored Belgium’s dominance and finishing ability. USA substitute Patrick Agyemang managed a late consolation goal in the 87th minute, assisted by Ricardo Pepi, but it was too little, too late.
Belgium’s victory was statistically supported, recording 21 total shots with 10 on target, while the USA had 12 shots with 5 on target. Despite the USA holding 52% possession, Belgium made their chances count. Dodi Lukebakio earned the highest rating for his two-goal performance.
This result offers a clear lesson for the USA as they continue their development on the international stage. Belgium, meanwhile, demonstrated their depth and attacking firepower, reinforcing their status as a formidable opponent in the international football landscape.
