Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Sport
Alexander Abnos

USMNT to face Portugal, Belgium and Germany in pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies

World Cup United States USMNT Belgium Portugal Germany Atlanta Cristiano Ronaldo Fifa Mauricio Pochettino
General view of the field after Atlanta United forward Josef Martinez (not pictured) scored against the New York Red Bulls during the first half of the first leg of the MLS Eastern Conference Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host the first two of the United States’ final four games before the 2026 World Cup. Photograph: John David Mercer/USA TODAY Sports

The US men’s national team have lined up a parade of top-tier European opposition to serve as warm-up opponents ahead of their opening game in the 2026 World Cup.

The US Soccer Federation announced on Tuesday that the national team will play Belgium and Portugal in the March Fifa window, with both matches taking place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on 28 and 31 March, respectively. Those matches will be followed by two friendlies in the window immediately preceding the World Cup, with the second one coming against Germany in Chicago on 6 June. The first game of the pre-World Cup series is against an opponent to be determined in Charlotte, North Carolina, on 31 May. Multiple reports have indicated that the opponent will be announced after the World Cup draw. (Fifa rules forbid group opponents from playing each other in a friendly ahead of the tournament.)

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Drew Barrymore: I don't know how to retire
Drew Barrymore has revealed she doesn't have strict retirement plans
BANG Premier
BANG Premier
What’s the Oldest Thing in Your House You Still Use Every Day?
The oldest thing in your house might not sit behind glass or carry a sentimental story. It could be the skillet you grab for eggs, the wooden spoon that has survived three kitchen remodels, or the desk lamp that somehow refuses to die.
Clever Dude
Clever Dude
7 Foods From Your ’80s Childhood That Aren’t Made the Same Way Anymore
If you grew up in the 1980s, you probably remember the bright orange macaroni and cheese, the sweet taste of your favorite soda, and snacks that seemed to make every afternoon better. Some of those familiar products are still available, but the versions on store shelves today may not be…
Grocery Coupon Guide
Grocery Coupon Guide
Brooklyn couple uncover 1901 coal log tied to family history while restoring an 1880s house
James and Laureta Gale found a 1901 coal delivery schedule during their renovation of a historic lodging house. Their discovery connects to James's family history with coal delivery in Brooklyn. The couple is transforming the 1880s building into an 11-room guesthouse with modern amenities. They are also preserving original features…
The Times of India
The Times of India
A couple told a North Carolina woman they were only feeding the turtles, then she turned her camera to the pond
The woman kept on throwing food into the water.
We Got This Covered
We Got This Covered
A Michigan woman says she found worms in fudge from the Applebutter Fest, adding ‘I’m totally grossed out’
An unwanted visitor has made itself a home.
We Got This Covered
We Got This Covered
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play