ATLANTA, March 28 - Belgium surged past the United States 5-2 in a friendly international, sending warning signals to the World Cup co-hosts just months before the tournament.
Weston McKennie opened the scoring for the U.S. in the 39th minute with a header from a corner, but Zeno Debast equalized with a stunning long-range strike before halftime.
Amadou Onana put Belgium ahead early in the second half, followed by Charles De Ketelaere converting a penalty. Substitute Dodi Lukebakio then scored twice in rapid succession, capping the rout with a fifth goal.
Patrick Agyemang pulled one back for the U.S. in the 87th minute after a defensive error.
Jeremy Doku’s relentless runs down the flank exposed weaknesses in the American defense, which struggled throughout the match. While Belgium cruised, the U.S. faces urgent questions ahead of its World Cup debut.
Belgium remains in the U.S. to face Mexico in Chicago. The Americans host Portugal in Atlanta the same night.