On December 1, 2025, the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) made an exciting announcement regarding the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) as they prepare for the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team will play a series of prestigious friendly matches against some of Europe’s top soccer nations as part of their final preparations for the tournament. These matches will take place in March and June of 2026, providing crucial opportunities for the USMNT to fine-tune their tactics and team cohesion in the months leading up to the World Cup.
The first of these friendlies will take place on March 28, 2026, against the Belgium national football team at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Just a few days later, on March 31, 2026, the U.S. team will face the Portugal national football team, also at the same venue. Both Belgium and Portugal are highly regarded in the world of international football, and these matches are expected to provide the U.S. players with valuable experience against top-tier competition. For the U.S. squad, facing off against these European heavyweights will serve as an important test of their readiness for the challenges of the World Cup.
In addition to the March friendlies, a third high-profile match has been scheduled for June 6, 2026, against the Germany national football team at Soldier Field in Chicago. Like Belgium and Portugal, Germany is one of the most successful national teams in World Cup history and will present another significant challenge for the U.S. team. This match in early June will be a final opportunity for players to showcase their skills and push for a spot on the World Cup roster.
The timing of these friendlies is significant, as they represent one of the last opportunities for head coach Mauricio Pochettino to evaluate his players before selecting the official squad for the World Cup. With the tournament only a few months away, these matches will serve as critical tune-ups, allowing Pochettino to assess team chemistry, tactics, and individual performances. For many of the U.S. players, these friendlies will be a chance to make a lasting impression and secure their place in the World Cup lineup.
The inclusion of these high-profile opponents underscores U.S. Soccer’s commitment to preparing the team for the challenges of the World Cup. Facing teams like Belgium, Portugal, and Germany will not only help the U.S. team gauge their readiness but also allow them to test their strategies against some of the best footballing nations in the world. The matches are expected to bring out the best in the players, with each one aiming to prove their worth ahead of the biggest football tournament on the planet.
For fans of the USMNT, these upcoming friendlies are a source of great excitement. The team has made significant strides in recent years and is hoping to build on that progress with a strong showing at the 2026 World Cup. With the tournament being co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, there is additional motivation for the team to perform well, as they will be competing on home soil in front of their passionate supporters.
As the U.S. Men’s National Team heads into these key friendlies, the stakes are high, and the expectations are even higher. These matches will be pivotal in shaping the team’s preparation for the 2026 World Cup, and with Europe’s top footballing nations standing in their way, the USMNT will need to bring their best performance to make a lasting impact on the global stage. The countdown to the 2026 World Cup is officially underway, and these friendlies will be the final tests before the tournament begins.