-
Jeff Carlisle
The U.S. Soccer Federation has revealed four pre-World Cup friendlies for the United States, although one opponent is yet to be announced.
The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) will play against Belgium on March 28 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, followed by a match against Portugal three days later at the same venue. These matches represent the last international window before manager Mauricio Pochettino finalizes his roster in late May.
On May 31, the U.S. will face an unnamed opponent in Charlotte, North Carolina, depending on the outcome of the World Cup draw on December 5 in Washington, D.C., ensuring they do not play a team within their own group.
The final friendly ahead of the World Cup is scheduled for June 6 against Germany in Chicago. Since Belgium, Germany, and Portugal all belong to Pot 1 along with the USMNT, they cannot be placed in the same group during the tournament.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for us to measure ourselves against some of the world’s best teams. These matches are fantastic for our players and our fans,” said USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino. “We are thrilled to play in our new home in Atlanta and compete in the wonderful cities of Charlotte and Chicago ahead of the World Cup.”
The U.S. will be up against a Belgium team that is participating in its fourth consecutive World Cup and is expected to include Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois from Real Madrid. Historically, the USMNT has a record of 1 win, 5 losses, and no draws (1-5-0) against the Red Devils, including their remarkable Round of 16 match in the 2014 World Cup where Belgium triumphed after extra time, thanks in part to the efforts of U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard.
Portugal, the winner of the 2025 UEFA Nations League, is spearheaded by Cristiano Ronaldo, the all-time leading scorer in men’s international soccer and a five-time Ballon d’Or recipient. The U.S. has a record of 2 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses (2-2-3) against Portugal, including a memorable 3-2 win at the 2002 World Cup and a 2-2 draw in 2014.
After the match in Charlotte, the U.S. will challenge Germany, a four-time World Cup champion, led by Kai Havertz from Arsenal and Jamal Musiala of Bayern Munich. The USMNT has faced Germany 12 times with a record of 4 wins and 8 losses (4-8-0), including defeats in the 1998, 2002, and 2014 World Cups.
The U.S. will kick off its World Cup campaign on June 12 in Inglewood, California, followed by a match in Seattle one week later, and will conclude the group stage on June 25, again in Inglewood.