Belgium thrash USA 5-2; Mexico vs Portugal ends 0-0 in football friendlies

Belgium thrash USA 5-2; Mexico vs Portugal ends 0-0 in football friendliesA man died after falling from the stands at Azteca Stadium, where Mexico hosted Portugal with Ronaldo missing the match.The United States were routed 5-2 by Belgium in a humbling defeat for Mauricio Pochettino’s team as they prepare to cohost the FIFA World Cup 2026, while Mexico and Portugal played to a goalless draw.Saturday’s thrashing comes as a wake-up call just 75 days before the tournament for the USA, who, after a good run of recent results, were again found severely lacking against top European opposition.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Senegal parade AFCON trophy, despite title being awarded to Moroccolist 2 of 3Morocco believe case of the AFCON crown is closed despite Senegal appeallist 3 of 3Iran footballers pay tribute to victims of school strike at start of warend of list“I see this as a good reality check for us, because now is the moment to feel this type of situation, to improve,” Pochettino said after the game in Atlanta. “We need to improve, of course.”The USA took an early lead against the world’s ninth-ranked team, with Weston McKennie slotting in to the delight of a packed Atlanta crowd of 67,000.But the Americans, knowing that their chances of making a deep run in the World Cup will likely depend on beating elite European sides, saw any hopes of a statement victory dashed.Having conceded, the Belgians swiftly came to life, with a deluge of goals from Zeno Debast, Amadou Onana, and Charles De Ketelaere, and a brace from substitute Dodi Lukebakio.Patrick Agyemang grabbed a late consolation for the USA, who play Portugal in another high-profile friendly on Tuesday before Pochettino announces his final squad in May.Weston McKennie opened the scoring for the USA against Belgium [Mike Stewart/AP Photo]Man dies at Azteca before Mexico-Portugal matchMeanwhile, Mexico’s friendly against Portugal, marking the reopening of the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City ahead of the World Cup, ended in a 0-0 draw.