Belgium's starting XI
The visitors have announced a strong lineup, featuring Kevin De Bruyne positioned behind Charles De Ketelaere, with Manchester City’s Jérémy Doku and Alexis Saelemaekers deployed on the wings.
The US team lists its lineups in numerical order, prompting questions about the tactical setup given the personnel available.
Match notes indicate that Mark McKenzie and Tim Ream are paired together in central defense, suggesting a four-man backline with Antonee Robinson at left back.
The right back position remains uncertain, with Tim Weah being the most probable candidate, as he frequently occupies a similar role at Marseille, albeit not typically within a four-man defensive line.
The midfield and attacking lineup appears clearer: Johnny Cardoso and Tanner Tessmann likely form a double-pivot, while attacking midfield duties will be shared among Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, and Malik Tillman. Folarin Balogun is expected to lead the attack.
How this formation will function in possession and defensively remains to be seen.
The USMNT starters
One notable aspect of Mauricio Pochettino’s lineup is the return of goalkeeper Matt Turner, who is starting for the first time since 11 June in a pre-Gold Cup friendly. This selection ends Matt Freese’s streak of 12 consecutive starts in goal. It raises the question of whether this is an opportunity for Turner to regain international match fitness or if it reflects ongoing uncertainty in the goalkeeping competition that was expected to be settled by 2025.
Pregame reading
offers extensive coverage to prepare readers ahead of the match.
Pablo Iglesias Maurer examines the pressures faced by Mauricio Pochettino and Christian Pulisic and their approaches to managing them.
Jeff Rueter analyzes the midfield battle and highlights the difficult World Cup roster cuts that lie ahead.
Alexander Abnos discusses the unexpectedly limited options in the center back pool.
Gio Reyna addresses his own "controversial" selection to the team despite limited playing time, stating:
"I understand the controversy around my selection, but I’m focused on contributing to the team whenever called upon."
Additionally, there is a preview of three key aspects to watch for the USMNT during this game and the upcoming friendly against Portugal on Tuesday.
Hello friends, Alexander Abnos here at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the penultimate friendly for the US men’s national team before Mauricio Pochettino finalizes his World Cup roster.
I will provide more frequent updates once the lineups are confirmed. In the meantime, feel free to reach out via the contact links provided in the header.
Fun fact: The US last defeated Belgium in international men’s competition in 1930. Will they end 96 years of waiting this afternoon?
