Upcoming Friendly Matches
The United States might soon welcome Portugal for a friendly match scheduled for March, with Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium emerging as the likely location. This friendly could mark the return of Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo to the U.S., which would be his first appearance since 2014 when he played as part of Real Madrid’s tour.
Ronaldo’s Controversies
Notably, during the time since that last visit, Ronaldo has faced renewed scrutiny due to allegations of sexual assault dating back to 2009, which were publicly revived by model Kathryn Mayorga in 2018. Ronaldo has consistently denied these claims, and the Las Vegas Police Department did not pursue charges.
Potential Opponents
In addition to Portugal, sources indicate that Belgium may also be on the U.S. menu for the same period. However, the realization of these friendlies hinges on both the U.S. and their opponents securing their spots for the 2026 World Cup, while also avoiding any intercontinental playoffs in the upcoming March window.
Current Standings
Currently, Belgium sits second in Group J of the UEFA qualifying stages, trailing North Macedonia by one point but holding a game in hand. The outcome of their upcoming match against North Macedonia this Wednesday in Ghent could influence Belgium’s standing significantly. Meanwhile, Portugal leads Group F based on goal differential after a commanding 5-0 win over Armenia, where Ronaldo netted two goals.
Significance of the Friendlies
This potential friendly is a significant opportunity for the U.S. to test their squad before the World Cup. The U.S. last matched up against Portugal in 2017, culminating in a 1-1 draw in Leiria, where Weston McKennie made his debut for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT). The last encounter with Belgium was at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where the U.S. faced a narrow 2-1 defeat in the round of 16, notably marked by an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Tim Howard.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which serves as the home ground for both Atlanta United FC (MLS) and the Atlanta Falcons (NFL), is set to showcase eight matches during the upcoming World Cup tournament next summer. The stadium’s owner, Arthur J. Blank, has also played a crucial role in supporting soccer development in the area, donating $50 million towards the U.S. Soccer Federation’s new training facility located in Fayetteville, Georgia.
