Key football friendlies highlight preparations for the 2026 World Cup, with Belgium dominating the USA and a tragic event overshadowing Mexico's game against Portugal.
Belgium defeated the United States 5-2 in a friendly match in Atlanta, serving as a reality check for the U.S. team ahead of cohosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The U.S. took an early lead with a goal from Weston McKennie, but Belgium responded with five goals from Zeno Debast, Amadou Onana, Charles De Ketelaere, and a brace from Dodi Lukebakio. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino called the loss a wake-up call, noting the need for improvement against top European opposition.
Details of the Belgium-USA Match
Played before a crowd of 67,000, the match saw Belgium, ranked ninth in the world, quickly overturn the U.S. lead. Patrick Agyemang scored a late goal for the U.S., but it was not enough to avoid the defeat. The U.S. team will face Portugal in another friendly soon, as they continue preparations for the tournament.
In Mexico City, Mexico and Portugal played to a 0-0 draw in a friendly at the newly renovated Azteca Stadium. The match served as a test event for the World Cup, but it was marred by the death of a man who fell from the stands before kickoff. Security officials reported that the man was intoxicated and fell while attempting to climb between levels.
Portugal, missing key players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Leao, created several chances, with Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos coming close to scoring. Mexico faced boos from parts of the crowd at the final whistle, and their coach will look to regroup before facing Belgium next.
The Azteca Stadium, site of the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals, has undergone renovations and will host five matches in 2026, including the tournament opener. Portugal's coach Roberto Martinez noted his team's 10 shots on goal but lamented their lack of accuracy.
Other Friendly Results
In a separate friendly, Germany beat Switzerland 4-3 in Basel, with Florian Wirtz scoring twice and providing two assists. Wirtz's performance included a stunning curled effort and a late winner, marking a strong outing for the 22-year-old forward amid his preparations for the World Cup.
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