USMNT Players Deliver Strong Performances Ahead of Belgium Clash

As the US Men's National Team prepares for their international friendly against Belgium this Saturday in Atlanta, several key players enter camp with momentum from strong club performances across Europe this past weekend.

Pulisic Breaks Through for Milan

Christian Pulisic ended his scoring involvement drought for AC Milan with his first assist of 2026 in a crucial 3-2 victory against Torino. The performance came after USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino publicly backed his star player, stating he was "happy with the way he is performing" despite Pulisic having no goal involvements in 2026 prior to the weekend.

The match also featured a public display of unity between Pulisic and teammate Rafael Leao following their reported spat during Milan's previous defeat to Lazio. Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri addressed the situation before the game, explaining: "Whoever has the ball has to see who's unmarked. He (Pulisic) didn't pass that ball to him because he didn't see it. But it's happened other times, too."

The tension seemed resolved as Milan players celebrated one of their goals with half the team mimicking Pulisic's goal celebration and the other half performing Leao's signature move.

Tillman Ends Scoring Drought

Malik Tillman will arrive in Atlanta with renewed confidence after scoring his first Bundesliga goal in eight games for Bayer Leverkusen. The 23-year-old midfielder found the net in Leverkusen's 3-3 draw at Heidenheim, though the result was disappointing as his team surrendered a late lead.

"We got off to a very good start, but suddenly lost a lot of challenges and gave the game away," Tillman said after the match. "We want to make it into the top four, that's our clear goal."

Balogun Continues Hot Streak

Folarin Balogun arrives in camp in excellent form after scoring a 72nd-minute penalty to seal Monaco's 2-1 victory over Lyon on Sunday. The win was particularly significant as it came against the team of USMNT teammate Tanner Tessmann, whose Champions League qualification hopes took a hit with the defeat.

Monaco are now unbeaten in their last seven Ligue 1 matches, winning their last six. Balogun has nine league goals and four assists this season, totaling 15 goals in all competitions for his club.

Other USMNT Developments

Ricardo Pepi, who will compete with Balogun for the starting striker position against Belgium, failed to score as PSV suffered a rare defeat to Telstar on Sunday.

Tim Weah continues to demonstrate his versatility, playing at right-back for Marseille in their 2-1 defeat to Lille. Like Weston McKennie, Weah has proven capable of operating in multiple positions for both club and country.

Looking Ahead to Belgium Friendly

The USMNT will face Belgium this Saturday at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium in what promises to be an important test for Pochettino's squad. With key players arriving in camp with positive momentum, the team will look to build chemistry and form ahead of upcoming competitive fixtures.

Pulisic will aim to translate his improved club form to the international stage, while the competition between Balogun and Pepi for the starting striker role adds an intriguing subplot to the match preparation.