Upcoming Friendly Matches for the USMNT
The United States Soccer Federation revealed plans for four friendly matches leading up to the World Cup, with one opponent still undetermined. The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) will take on Belgium on March 28, 2024, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Just three days later, the same venue will host a clash against Portugal, marking the final international window before head coach Mauricio Pochettino officially announces his squad in late May.
Match Details
On May 31, the USMNT will compete in Charlotte, North Carolina, against an unspecified opponent whose identity will hinge on the results of the World Cup draw scheduled for December 5, 2023, in Washington, D.C. Notably, the U.S. will not face any teams that are placed in their group during the tournament.
Wrapping up the series of friendlies, the U.S. will go head-to-head with Germany on June 6 in Chicago. Since Belgium, Germany, and Portugal all belong to Pot 1, the teams are guaranteed not to be placed in the same group as the USMNT.
Significance of the Matches
“This presents an incredible opportunity for us to challenge against some of the world’s elite teams. It benefits both our players and fans, and we are excited to play in Atlanta and other great cities like Charlotte and Chicago ahead of the World Cup.” – Mauricio Pochettino
Historical Context
Belgium will enter the match as an experienced squad preparing for their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance, featuring notable players such as Kevin De Bruyne from Napoli and Thibaut Courtois from Real Madrid. Historically, the USMNT has faced the Red Devils six times, managing only one win alongside five losses, including a knockout stage match at the 2014 World Cup where they fell after extra time.
The matchup with Portugal will see the U.S. compete against a side that recently triumphed in the 2025 UEFA Nations League, steered by their star player Cristiano Ronaldo, who holds the record for the most goals in men’s international soccer and has claimed the prestigious Ballon d’Or five times. The USMNT’s history against Portugal stands at two wins, two draws, and three losses, highlighted by a notable 3-2 win in the 2002 World Cup and a 2-2 tie in 2014.
Concluding their friendly schedule, the U.S. will meet Germany, a country with a prominent soccer pedigree, having won the World Cup four times. They boast key players like Kai Havertz from Arsenal and Jamal Musiala from Bayern Munich. Historically, the USMNT has an unfavorable record against Germany at 4 wins to 8 losses, with critical defeats in the 1998, 2002, and 2014 World Cups.
World Cup Journey
The U.S. kicks off their World Cup journey on June 12, 2024, in Inglewood, California, followed by another match in Seattle a week later, before rounding off the group stage back in Inglewood on June 25.
