ATLANTA — The U.S. men’s national team used two tough friendlies as a measuring stick ahead of the World Cup, and the outcomes exposed both promise and deficiencies. The Americans fell 5-2 to Belgium and 2-0 to Portugal in matches arranged to test them against elite European sides. Coach Mauricio Pochettino called the experience painful but useful, saying these kinds of tests are the only way to learn and that he saw signs the team is close, with only details to fix.
1) Encouraging flashes, but a clear gap remains
The U.S. produced some bright moments, especially early against Belgium, when they moved the ball well and created chances. Weston McKennie’s goal from an Antonee Robinson corner briefly put the U.S. ahead and showed what they can do in attack. Still, the team failed to convert several high-quality opportunities, and both Belgium and Portugal were ruthless when presented with openings. That clinical finishing — the ability to punish mistakes and finish chances — is a key differentiator between the Americans and the tournament favorites.
2) Defense still unsettled
Pochettino faces tough choices about personnel and shape. He has rotated between a 4-2-3-1 and a 3-4-2-1, and during these games reverted to a back four while trying seven different defensive starters across the two matches. Robinson and Chris Richards emerged as the most likely to start significant minutes at the World Cup; Auston Trusty looked dependable; others such as Mark McKenzie and Alex Freeman remain inexperienced at this level; Tim Ream showed signs of age against quicker attackers; and Tim Weah is more of an offensive option. The lack of a deep pool of established, World Cup-proven center backs keeps the back line an open question.
3) Pochettino demanding more intensity
A recurring criticism from Pochettino was the team’s intensity. Several goals conceded were the result of lost duels, slow recoveries and poor disruption of transitions. He compared the Americans unfavorably to the kind of urgency he’d seen in other internationals, and stressed that habitually high intensity must be present in tune-ups to build the right behaviors. In his view, intensity can’t be promised for big games if it’s not delivered consistently now.
4) Returns matter, depth is thin
Injuries have complicated selection. Tyler Adams remains out after a December knee injury; Sergiño Dest has a hamstring issue; Johnny Cardoso left a match with leg discomfort. On the positive side, Chris Richards returned from a knee problem and played well against Portugal, and Antonee Robinson looked strong after battling knee pain. Their availability underscores how much difference a couple of players can make. When the squad is at full strength it has genuine quality, but absences quickly expose a thin margin in depth.
Group context and next matches
Türkiye joined the U.S. in Group D and is ranked among the top 25 teams; Australia and Paraguay round out the group. The U.S. will aim to top the pool, but none of the opponents are straightforward and progression is not automatic.
Upcoming schedule:
– May 31: Friendly vs. Senegal in Charlotte, N.C.
– June 6: Friendly vs. Germany in Chicago
– June 12: World Cup Group stage vs. Paraguay in Los Angeles
– June 19: World Cup Group stage vs. Australia in Seattle
– June 25: World Cup Group stage vs. Türkiye in Los Angeles
Bottom line: the Belgium and Portugal results were sobering but instructive. The U.S. showed encouraging attacking moments and welcomed the return of key players, yet defensive questions, finishing consistency and a need for sharper intensity remain the main issues to address before the World Cup.