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The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) concluded its pre-World Cup preparations with a series of international friendlies in March and June 2026, followed by the opening matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team recorded one win, one draw, and four losses across its six reported matches during this period.

March 2026 International Friendlies

Belgium (March 28, 2026) — Loss 2-5

The USMNT lost 5-2 to Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Weston McKennie scored in the 39th minute, assisted by Johnny Cardoso and Antonee Robinson.

Belgium equalized before halftime via Zeno Debast (45th minute). In the second half, Belgium scored three goals within 22 minutes: Amadou Onana (52nd minute), Charles De Ketelaere (penalty, 59th minute), and Dodi Lukebakio (68th minute). Lukebakio added a fifth goal in the 82nd minute. Patrick Agyemang scored for the US in the 87th minute.

The match ended the US's five-game unbeaten streak.

Match Observations:

Christian Pulisic missed three scoring opportunities.
Goalkeeper Matt Turner made his first appearance since November 2024.
Absentees for the US included midfielders Tyler Adams and Diego Luna, defenders Sergiño Dest, Chris Richards, and Miles Robinson, and forward Haji Wright.
Belgium played without goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and forward Romelu Lukaku.
Both teams utilized mandatory hydration breaks to replicate World Cup conditions, despite the climate-controlled indoor venue (72°F/22°C).
A kit clash occurred, with both teams wearing lighter-colored jerseys. US Soccer stated they had requested Belgium wear an alternate kit, and the match commissioner approved the chosen uniforms. No alternative kits were available, as Belgium's had been shipped to their next match venue in Chicago.
Under a new rule, both teams were permitted up to 11 substitutions.

Portugal (March 31, 2026) — Loss 0-2

The USMNT lost 2-0 to Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Portugal, ranked sixth globally by FIFA (as of the time of the match), scored through Francisco Trincão (37th minute) and João Félix (approximately 15 minutes into the second half). The match was played in front of a sellout crowd of 72,297.

Starting XI Changes from Belgium Match:

Goalkeeper: Matt Freese replaced Matt Turner.
Central Defense: Chris Richards and Auston Trusty replaced Tim Ream and Mark McKenzie.
Fullbacks: Alex Freeman (right-back), Antonee Robinson (left-back).
Midfield: Sebastian Berhalter and Aidan Morris replaced Tanner Tessmann and Johnny Cardoso.
Attack: Christian Pulisic played as central striker, supported by Tim Weah, Weston McKennie, and Malik Tillman.

Goal Sequences:

Portugal's First Goal: Alex Freeman lost possession near the halfway line. A clearance attempt by Weston McKennie passed to Vitinha, who found Bruno Fernandes. Fernandes provided a backheel assist to Trincão.
Portugal's Second Goal: João Félix scored from the edge of the box after a corner kick, where Bruno Fernandes lobbed the ball to Félix.

Pulisic Performance:
Christian Pulisic played as a central striker. He had scoring opportunities in the 6th, 21st, and 35th minutes that did not result in goals. He received a yellow card in the 45th minute for a tackle on Samu Costa. Pulisic was substituted at halftime.

Squad Selection Context

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino indicated that approximately 35 to 40 players were under consideration for the 26-player World Cup roster.
Pochettino stated he observed positive aspects from the March window, noting the team competed effectively against two FIFA top-10 opponents.
He characterized tactical errors, such as Antonee Robinson's positioning during Portugal's first goal, as correctable.
Turkey qualified for the World Cup after defeating Kosovo 1-0 in a playoff. Turkey was placed in the USMNT's World Cup group, scheduled to play the US on June 25.

June 2026: Send-Off Friendlies

Senegal (June 1, 2026) — Win 3-2

The USMNT defeated Senegal 3-2 in Charlotte, North Carolina, in front of 57,741 attendees as part of the World Cup send-off series.

Goals:

Sergiño Dest (assisted by Christian Pulisic, 19th minute)
Christian Pulisic (first half, ending a nearly six-month goalless streak)
Folarin Balogun (second half)
Sadio Mané scored both goals for Senegal, capitalizing on US defensive errors.

Notes: The US made wholesale substitutions at halftime. Midfielder Gio Reyna made his first start since November 2025. Goalkeeper Zack Steffen was not used; Matt Turner started.

Germany (June 6, 2026) — Draw 1-1 (reported halftime score)

The USMNT played Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The match reached halftime with a score of 1-1.

First Half Summary (from available reporting):

US Goal: Weston McKennie scored in the 39th minute, receiving a corner kick unmarked and finishing from close range.
Germany Goal: Germany equalized in the 45th minute via Zeno Debast. Jérémy Doku's offensive pressure led to a blocked effort, which Debast converted past goalkeeper Matt Turner.

Starting XI (June 6, 2026):

Goalkeeper: Matt Freese (24)
Defenders: Sergiño Dest (2), Miles Robinson (12), Tim Ream (13, captain), Antonee Robinson (5)
Midfielders: Tyler Adams (4), Weston McKennie (8), Malik Tillman (17)
Forwards: Christian Pulisic (10), Folarin Balogun (20), Alex Freeman (16)
Substitutes: Matt Turner, Chris Brady, Auston Trusty, Gio Reyna, Ricardo Pepi, Brenden Aaronson, Sebastian Berhalter, Cristian Roldan, Max Arfsten, Haji Wright, Tim Weah, Mark McKenzie, Joe Scally, Alex Zendejas
Not dressed: Chris Richards (3)

Broadcast: TBS, HBO Max, Telemundo, Universo, Peacock. Radio: Westwood One, Fútbol de Primera. Pre-game coverage began at 12:30 p.m. CT.

2026 FIFA World Cup — Group Stage

Paraguay (June 12, 2026) — Match Details

Date: June 12, 2026
Venue: Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, California
Kickoff: 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET
Broadcast: FOX, Telemundo, Peacock

Starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Matt Freese (24)
Defenders: Sergiño Dest (2), Chris Richards (3), Tyler Adams (4), Antonee Robinson (5)
Midfielders: Weston McKennie (8), Malik Tillman (17), Tim Ream (13, captain)
Forwards: Christian Pulisic (10), Alex Freeman (16), Folarin Balogun (20)
Substitutes: Matt Turner, Chris Brady, Auston Trusty, Gio Reyna, Ricardo Pepi, Brenden Aaronson, Miles Robinson, Sebastian Berhalter, Cristian Roldan, Max Arfsten, Haji Wright, Tim Weah, Mark McKenzie, Joe Scally, Alex Zendejas

Australia (June 19, 2026) — Match Details

Date: June 19, 2026
Venue: Seattle Stadium, Seattle, Washington
Kickoff: 12 p.m. PT / 3 p.m. ET
Broadcast: FOX, Telemundo, Peacock