International Friendly: The Red Devils Go Down to Georgia

USA vs Belgium

The greatest show on Earth is getting nearer by the day. And in Canada, Mexico, and the USA, it promises to be bigger, bolder, and better than ever. What else would you expect from the North American showmen?      

One of the World Cup 2026 hosts, Mauricio Pochettino’s USA are in action this weekend when the Red Devils of Europe head to Atlanta, Georgia, for a showdown on Saturday. Rudi Garcia’s Belgium, for so long at the top of the FIFA world rankings, are down to ninth, just six places above the Stars and Stripes. 

So this International Friendly promises to be a fascinating clash, a chance for players to impress, for coaches to fine-tune their tactics and formations, and for the fans in the States to get a glimpse of what is to come in June.     

 

Talking Points

USA’s attacking intent

As manager of Espanyol, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea, Pochettino always liked his teams to play on the front foot, taking the game to their opponents, and entertaining the fans. And as the USA head coach, he has the same philosophy and the men who can deliver it on the pitch.  

One of his most exciting players, Fulham’s 28-year-old wing-back Antonee Robinson, has had a season plagued by injury. However, he is fit and firing again and sure to make some special International Friendly 2026 highlights for the Stars and Stripes. An attacking player, who will form part of a defensive unit alongside his former Cottagers teammate Tim Ream, or who can play in a more advanced role, Robinson has become one of the most prolific playmakers in the Premier League in recent seasons.    

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Malik Tillman and Juventus star Weston McKennie are both midfielders who like to support their strikers, and it is up front where the Stars and Stripes have their real muscle, led by captain Christian Pulisic. The AC Milan star has scored 32 goals in 82 international appearances, and he will be supported by Leeds United’s Brendan Aaronson. Moreover, PSV Eindhoven’s 23-year-old forward, Ricardo Pepe, and Folarin Balogun of AS Monaco will both make a case for a start.    

 

Can Garcia turn Belgium into winners? 

So the Golden Generation of Red Devils is quickly becoming a memory. The most talented group of players to wear the famous red shirt were the best in the world, but they didn’t pick up any silverware and now, a new generation of stars have their chance.  

Garcia, former manager at Roma, Marseille, and Lyon, took over as Belgium boss in January 2025 after the departure of Domenico Tedesco, and he has a contract which takes him to the end of the World Cup. But if Belgium perform in the summer, that may not be the end of the story. 

As soon as he took over, Garcia steered the Red Devils through a tricky Nations League promotion/relegation play-off against Ukraine, and results have gradually improved. He likes his teams to play a possession-based, attacking style with a collective spirit. And that may be a formula that can bring out the best of the new generation of Red Devils.        

Of the old guard, Napoli star Kevin De Bruyne recently made his first appearance since October in a 2-1 win over Torino, and he will surely add to his 115 caps. But long-time keeper Thibaut Courtois is injured and striker Romelu Lukaku is missing the friendlies, as he tries to get back to full physical fitness. 

So step forward Nottingham Forest keeper Matz Sels as the last line of defence. But much like the USA, Belgium’s strength lies in an attacking group with Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku the standout player, while Lois Openda of Juventus and Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere are both looking to impress.  

Two of the favourites for summer glory, Brazil and France are going head-to-head, and England, Spain, and Germany are in friendly action too. But the very latest International Friendly 2026 betting odds say neither Belgium nor the USA will reach the World Cup quarter-finals, though the Red Devils could come close. 

It’s time for them to make a statement.    

 

History 

This summer will be the Stars and Stripes’ 12^th appearance at the World Cup finals, their best attempt coming back in 1930 when they reached the semi-finals. And the USA have won the CONCACAF Gold Cup seven times. It will be 15 up for the Belgians, who picked up their World Cup semi-final appearance as recently as 2018, at the height of the Golden Generation. And the nearest Belgium have come to glory was a European Championship final back in 1980.        

The Red Devils have won all but one of their four previous meetings with the Stars and Stripes, with the one defeat coming at the 1930 World Cup.   

USA have won four, lost one, and drawn one of their last outings, while Belgium have won four and drawn two.   

 

Betting Tip

With the USA at 2.75 and Belgium the marginal favourites at SBOTOP odds of 2.25, this will be a well-fought out battle, with the draw, priced at 3.50, also a distinct possibility. But I’m going for goals, with two glittering attacking units coming out on top.    

   

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