The United States Men’s National Team has unveiled an impressive lineup of friendly matches against European powerhouses as their final preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a schedule announced by the US Soccer Federation on Tuesday, the American squad will face three prominent European teams. The series begins with a match against Belgium on March 28 at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, followed by a clash with Portugal, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, at the same venue on March 31.
The team’s preparation schedule continues with a yet-to-be-announced friendly in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 31. The warm-up series concludes with a high-stakes match against four-time World Cup champions Germany at Chicago’s Soldier Field on June 6.
US head coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed enthusiasm about the matchups, stating, “This is a massive opportunity to challenge ourselves against some of the top teams in the world. These are incredible matches for the players and for the fans.”
The 2026 World Cup marks a historic expansion to 48 teams and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19, with the US team’s opening match scheduled for June 12 in Los Angeles. The Americans will discover their group stage opponents during the official draw ceremony in Washington this Friday.
The upcoming World Cup draw has garnered additional attention due to US President Donald Trump’s expected participation. Trump’s involvement highlights his close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has made multiple White House visits since the North American bid was awarded the tournament in 2018. Reports suggest Trump may receive FIFA’s new Peace Prize at the ceremony.
While Trump has positioned the World Cup as a significant event coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary celebration, he has also introduced political elements by suggesting potential venue changes from Democratic-led cities based on safety concerns.
All three of the US team’s upcoming friendly opponents – Belgium, Portugal, and Germany – have already secured their spots in the expanded 2026 tournament, providing valuable high-level competition for the host nation’s final preparation phase.
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