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Landon Donovan Reveals Concerning Off-Field Incident After USMNT's Loss vs Belgium

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Apr 3, 2026 11:30 AM ET

USMNT fans and former players were not satisfied with the USMNT's performances against Belgium and Portugal this past week.

Both matches ended in losses, with the Belgium game being the worst part of the March international break, as the USMNT lost 5-2.

The performance against Belgium caused more concerns for fans and former players due to the scoreline, and former USMNT captain Landon Donovan revealed information regarding the player's attitude after that match.

On the Unfiltered Soccer podcast, Landon Donovan reveals that he found out how some USMNT players reacted after the poor result against Belgium last weekend.

Alexis Saelemaekers #22 of Belgium is challenged by Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

Donovan calls the USMNT players' attitude 'concerning' as the 2026 World Cup gets closer, and wanted to see more 'fire' in the players after the team conceded five goals after taking a lead in the first half against Belgium.

Landon Donovan on USMNT players after Belgium game

In his podcast, Unfiltered Soccer Podcast, Landon Donovan says that he knew two people who were affiliated with the USMNT and were at the same hotel as where the national team was after the Belgium match.

Donovan asked the two people what the mood was like after the 5-2 loss to Belgium, and the response concerned him.

Donovan said, "Both [people] said the same thing. A bunch of guys didn't come down from their rooms, but the guys who did come down, it was okay. I was like, 'Are you kidding me? I would have been mortified to show my face anywhere.' That is what concerns me."

This was before the Portugal friendly match, where the USMNT would lose 2-0. The panic continues among the USMNT fanbase with nearly two months left until the World Cup.