The US men's national team have lined up a series of high-profile friendlies against Belgium, Portugal, and Germany as preparation for the 2026 World Cup. The US Soccer Federation announced on Tuesday that the team will play Belgium on 28 March and Portugal on 31 March, both at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. These matches will be followed by a friendly against Germany in Chicago on 6 June, with an additional pre-World Cup fixture scheduled for 31 May in Charlotte, North Carolina, against an opponent to be determined after the World Cup draw.
The March fixtures represent the squad's final chance to impress head coach Mauricio Pochettino before the World Cup roster is named. The location is significant as US Soccer recently moved its headquarters to Atlanta, where a new national training centre is under construction. Both Belgium and Portugal are ranked in the top 10 of the FIFA world rankings and faced the US in the 2014 World Cup, with Belgium eliminating the Americans in the round of 16 and Portugal drawing 2-2 in the group stage.
Portugal's visit will draw attention due to Cristiano Ronaldo, who has not played in the US since being accused of sexual assault in 2017, allegations he has consistently denied. The case was dismissed in 2022. Belgium remain a European powerhouse, led by Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois. Germany, who defeated the US 1-0 in the 2014 group stage, will be making their 21st World Cup appearance in 2026.
All three opponents are in Pot 1 for the World Cup draw on 5 December in Washington DC, meaning they cannot be group opponents for the US. The Charlotte opponent will be confirmed after the draw to avoid facing a group-stage rival. Pochettino said: 'For us, 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.'
