The United States kick off an extremely busy summer on Wednesday with the first of two warm-up friendlies before competitive matches. They're taking on Belgium, who have brought a strong squad to the States as they prepare for a tough and crucial World Cup qualifier against Serbia on June 7.
USA vs. Belgium: Preview and TV schedule
The Belgians should provide a more than adequate World Cup qualifying warm-up for the United States.
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Jürgen Klinsmann will be without a number of the players he called into his squad for this friendly, and possibly the second warm-up game against Germany as well. Edgar Castillo and Joe Corona are still with Tijuana playing in Copa Libertadores, while Fabian Johnson and Danny Williams are being given a game off after playing in a relegation playoff with Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga. Michael Bradley, who played in the Coppa Italia final on Sunday, will not start on Wednesday. However, Jozy Altidore will be available even though his team AZ Alkmaar had said previously that they would not release him.
On Tuesday, Klinsmann announced that Sacha Kljestan and Jermaine Jones would start next to each other in midfield for the first time. Bradley will still be available off the bench and Stuart Holden could make a late cameo after recovering from knee injuries that kept him out for the better part of two years.
No matter who Belgium plays from the start on Wednesday, they're likely to present a stiffer test to the United States than any of their upcoming qualifying opponents. Eden Hazard has been kept in Europe, but otherwise, Belgium's best are available.
Game date/time: Wednesday, 8 pm ET
Venue: FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
TV: ESPN
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