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USMNT Lose Tune-Ups Against Belgium and Portugal

PUBLISHED Apr 1, 2026, 12:01 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 8

Center 100%

Sources: 8

Atlanta. The U.S. men's national soccer team lost 2-0 to Portugal on Tuesday, following a 5-2 defeat by Belgium on Saturday, as coach Mauricio Pochettino continued tactical experiments and rotated personnel during World Cup tune-up matches held in Atlanta this week before final roster decisions. Pochettino described the results as learning opportunities and said he remained 'more positive' while lamenting small details; Christian Pulisic expressed frustration. The coach will name his World Cup roster within weeks, and staff will assess performance, fitness and tactical fit amid growing scrutiny ahead of the tournament this summer.

By James Porter | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Approximately 18 months ago Mauricio Pochettino took charge and began experimental selections.
Beginning in September the USMNT went on a five-game unbeaten run.
On Saturday the USMNT lost 5-2 to Belgium in a tune-up match.
On Tuesday the USMNT lost 2-0 to Portugal in Atlanta during another tune-up.
TruMedia recorded an eight-game losing streak to European nations; roster decisions are due in the coming weeks.

News Intelligence

If you're a soccer fan, these losses sting. But remember, these are tune-up matches. Coach Pochettino is testing strategies and players. He's learning what works and what doesn't before the World Cup. Keep an eye on the final roster announcement in the coming weeks.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 8

Who Benefited

Portugal and Belgium benefited from clinical finishing and tactical execution, securing victories that exposed areas for improvement in the U.S. team ahead of the World Cup.

Who Impacted

The U.S. men's national team suffered two consecutive defeats that highlighted defensive lapses, tactical inconsistency, and selection questions as World Cup roster decisions approach.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 8
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Portugal and Belgium benefited from clinical finishing and tactical execution, securing victories that exposed areas for improvement in the U.S. team ahead of the World Cup.

Who Impacted

The U.S. men's national team suffered two consecutive defeats that highlighted defensive lapses, tactical inconsistency, and selection questions as World Cup roster decisions approach.