The U.S. men’s national soccer team is gearing up for the 2026 World Cup by facing a challenging lineup of opponents. Their preparation kicks off with friendly matches against Belgium and Portugal in Atlanta in March, culminating in a farewell game against Germany in Chicago just days before the tournament begins.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Soccer Federation confirmed that the fourth match will occur on May 31 against an opponent yet to be announced. “This is an excellent chance to compete against some of the world’s top teams,” said U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino in a statement. “It’s a valuable experience for both players and supporters.”
As they finalize their roster, the 14th-ranked United States will take on 8th-ranked Belgium on March 28 and 6th-ranked Portugal, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, on March 31. Both encounters will be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which will feature natural grass for the matches.
It’s somewhat unusual for the U.S. Soccer Federation to schedule two games at the same venue simultaneously, but the move reflects their focus on strengthening ties to the Atlanta area. This follows their decision to move headquarters from Chicago and establish a national training facility near Fayetteville, Georgia, set to open in the coming months. NFL owner Arthur Blank has committed $50 million to this project and oversees the 71,000-seat arena that hosts the matches.
The U.S. team will meet Belgium for the seventh time, their first face-off since losing to them in the 2014 World Cup Round of 16. Belgium, led by stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois, recently secured their place in the World Cup with a strong qualifying record.
Meanwhile, Portugal will be looking to build momentum as they prepare for their seventh consecutive World Cup, having made deep runs in previous tournaments. The last encounter between the U.S. and Portugal saw the teams draw in 2014 after the U.S. won in 2002.
With the Chicago venue securing the match against Germany, which ranks 9th globally, this game marks their first meeting in the city since 1993. The final opponent for the U.S. in Charlotte will hinge on the outcome of the World Cup draw, as the federation aims to avoid scheduling any matches against teams in their group.
Belgium, Portugal, and Germany are all among the top seeds in the tournament based on their high rankings, setting the stage for intense matches. Should the Charlotte opponent also be World Cup-bound, this will put the U.S. team into the tournament with a rigorous schedule leading up to the event.
Under Pochettino’s leadership, the team has shown improvement, bouncing back from previous losses with a strong record. Each of these friendly matches will be crucial in solidifying the team’s strategy and cohesion before they compete on the world stage.
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer fans as it highlights the U.S. team’s commitment to challenging itself against elite international competition. The outcomes of these matches could greatly influence the team’s dynamics and performance in the upcoming World Cup, making it an exciting time for supporters eager to see their national team excel.
