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The United States men’s national team only have four games left to play until the 2026 World Cup. That’s right, there are just four 2026 USMNT friendlies before the Stars and Stripes take on the planet’s best in the World Cup.
U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino will get to test his players against Europe’s elite next year with top European nations on the schedule.
Here’s a look at who the USMNT will face before the World Cup next summer.
2026 USMNT friendlies
Exact dates are still TBA.
- March: USA vs. Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta
- March: USA vs. Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta
- May: USA vs. TBD in Charlotte
- June: USA vs. Germany in Chicago
All three known opponents (Portugal, Belgium and Germany) are in the top 10 of FIFA’s rankings. The USMNT, ranked 14th, will truly be put to the test against Europe’s finest.
The opponent for the friendly in Charlotte is expected to be announced after the World Cup draw on Dec. 5. FIFA has a rule that countries drawn in the same group aren’t allowed to face each other in a friendly prior to the World Cup.
There’s speculation that the USMNT will want to schedule a friendly against an African country having already faced South American and Asian opposition this fall.
U.S. fans won’t have to worry about being drawn in the same group as Portugal, Belgium or Germany as they will join the U.S. in Pot 1 of the draw.
Germany will be the send-off game for the USMNT before the squad heads to California where they will play two of their group stage games for the World Cup.
BREAKING: The USMNT 2026 World Cup sendoff game will take place against Germany in Chicago.
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) November 19, 2025
The three friendlies against European sides will be the perfect challenge for the USMNT. Teams from Europe are notoriously difficult to schedule friendlies against due to Nations League, Euro qualifying and World Cup qualifiers.
Next year presents a rare opportunity for the U.S. to host the likes of Portugal, Germany and Belgium.
The USMNT’s recent record against UEFA opposition has been abysmal. Since 2023 the U.S. have faced Switzerland, Turkey, Slovenia, Germany and Serbia. They lost all five of those games.
March 2021 was the last time the USMNT defeated a European team as they bested Northern Ireland 2-1 in a friendly.
While the statistics appear daunting, recent performances from the USMNT have provided hope for fans. The Pochettino era got off to a slow start with losses in the Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup, however a strong stretch to end 2025 has resuscitated the national team.
Closing out 2025 with a statement.
Unbeaten in our last five matches against Top 40 FIFA Ranked Opponents, all who are qualified for the 2026 World Cup. pic.twitter.com/B77DDy2Hx8— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) November 19, 2025
