
Reality check: Belgium defeat pushes USMNT to sharpen World Cup edge
A 5-2 defeat to Belgium provides a blunt reality check for the USMNT, emphasizing that sustained, maximum intensity against world-class teams is essential if they want to advance at the World Cup. Coach Mauricio Pochettino urges a 26-man, all-in mentality and warns against complacency, with upcoming tests like Portugal serving to gauge whether the team can apply these lessons and avoid a dangerous drop-off in intensity from start to finish.












