USA vs Germany Preview: One Last Test Before the World Cup Begins
The USMNT faces four-time world champions Germany at Soldier Field on Saturday — the final test before World Cup 2026 begins. Here's our full preview and prediction.
By World Soccer Wire Editorial
This is the one that matters.
When the USMNT takes the field at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday afternoon, it won't be just another friendly. This is the final dress rehearsal before the biggest tournament in American soccer history kicks off five days later. Germany are the opponents — four-time world champions, ranked 10th in the world, and hungry to prove they're a genuine contender in 2026. There is no better test available.
Kickoff is 2:30 p.m. ET. It's on TBS, HBO Max, Peacock, and Fubo. A sellout crowd in Chicago will make it feel like a World Cup match. For all intents and purposes, it is.
Germany Are Not Here to Be Kind
Julian Nagelsmann's side arrived in the United States having just dismantled Finland 4-0 in their farewell match on home soil. Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and Deniz Undav — who scored twice against Finland — form one of the most talented attacking trios in world football. This Germany side may not have won a major trophy since 2014, but they are loaded with quality and desperate to end that drought on North American soil.
They come in with an 8-4-0 all-time record against the United States and haven't lost to the Americans since a 2-1 result in Cologne in June 2015. The most recent meeting, in October 2023, ended in a 3-1 Germany win in Connecticut. The history here does not favor Pochettino's side.
One notable absentee for Germany: Manuel Neuer, who came out of international retirement to play one final World Cup, is a doubt with injury. If he misses out, Oliver Baumann starts in goal.
What the USMNT Need to Show
Fresh off the 3-2 win over Senegal, Pochettino's squad arrives in Chicago with genuine momentum and a captain who is back scoring. Christian Pulisic's performance in Charlotte — a goal, an assist, and a dominant first-half display — was exactly what the team needed heading into the final stretch.
But Germany will provide a different kind of test. Senegal pressed high and left space in behind. Germany are more disciplined, more technically precise, and will make the US work for every inch. The US hasn't won against European opposition in their last 10 attempts — that's the number Pochettino will be focused on changing Saturday.
One significant injury concern: Chris Richards, who anchors the US backline, is not fully fit. Tim Ream, named captain for this camp, will lead the defense. How the back four handles Musiala and Wirtz in tight spaces will be the key tactical battle of the afternoon.
The Key Matchup: Wirtz vs. Adams
Florian Wirtz is the most dangerous player on the field Saturday. The 22-year-old Bayer Leverkusen star is the kind of technical midfielder who finds pockets between the lines and makes things happen in an instant. Tyler Adams, who carries enormous responsibility in this USMNT midfield, will need to be everywhere.
If Adams can disrupt Wirtz's rhythm in the first 30 minutes and force Germany to go wide, the US has a real chance of keeping this competitive. If Wirtz is allowed to turn and play, it's going to be a long afternoon.
Prediction: Germany 2-1 USA
Germany are the better side on paper and the better side historically in this fixture. But this is not a normal friendly. The USMNT are playing in front of their own fans, five days before the World Cup begins, with genuine belief after the Senegal result. Pulisic scores. The crowd at Soldier Field goes wild.
Ultimately Germany's quality tells in the second half. A narrow defeat is not a disaster — it's information. Pochettino will learn more from 90 minutes against Nagelsmann's side than he would from three wins over weaker opposition.
The World Cup starts June 11. Saturday is the last chance to get ready.
USA vs Germany kicks off Saturday, June 6 at 2:30 p.m. ET from Soldier Field in Chicago. Watch on TBS, HBO Max, Peacock, and Fubo.
USA vs Paraguay — World Cup 2026 Preview: Can the USMNT Deliver on Home Soil?
"Pochettino's USMNT opens World Cup 2026 on home soil against a Paraguay side that's been waiting 16 years for this moment. Nine days to go — here's everything you need to know."
By World Soccer Wire Editorial
Nine days. That's all that stands between the United States men's national team and the biggest moment in a generation of American soccer. On June 12, in front of a sold-out SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Mauricio Pochettino's side kicks off its 2026 World Cup campaign against Paraguay — a team that hasn't been at this tournament since 2010 and is hungry to make up for lost time.
The pressure on the home side is immense. This is a co-hosted tournament, played in American stadiums, in front of American crowds. The USMNT can't afford a stumble in the opener.
The USMNT's Roster Is Deep — But Carries Risk
Pochettino named his 26-man squad on May 26, and the headline moves were hard to miss. Diego Luna — widely expected to make the cut — is out. Gio Reyna is in, a bold call given his injury history but a sign that Pochettino trusts the 23-year-old's creativity when the game needs unlocking.
The spine of the team looks genuinely strong. Christian Pulisic leads the attack after a stellar club season. Folarin Balogun brings finishing ability after 19 goals across all competitions for Monaco. Haji Wright, with 17 goals for Coventry City, gives Pochettino a physical option up front. In midfield, Tyler Adams is the engine — and with Tanner Tessmann and Aidan Morris both absent, he carries more responsibility than ever.
At the back, Antonee Robinson and Sergino Dest provide width while Chris Richards and the experienced Tim Ream anchor a defense that will need to stay organized against Paraguay's physical press.
Paraguay Are Not Here to Make Up the Numbers
Don't sleep on the Guaraní. Paraguay qualified the hard way — finishing sixth in CONMEBOL qualifying, picking up results against both Argentina and Brazil along the way. Head coach Gustavo Alfaro has built a side defined by defensive organization, work rate, and moments of individual quality.
Captain Gustavo Gómez, 31, with 88 caps and league titles across three countries, organizes a backline that also includes Omar Alderete of Sunderland — one of the more underrated defenders in this tournament. They are not easy to break down.
Going forward, Miguel Almiron — back in MLS with Atlanta United — remains the creative heartbeat. Julio Enciso is the wildcard, capable of producing something brilliant from nowhere. And Diego Gómez, playing for Brighton, is the kind of technically gifted midfielder who thrives in big moments.
The Key Matchup: Pulisic vs. Paraguay's Defense
The game will likely hinge on whether Christian Pulisic can find space between Paraguay's defensive lines. Alfaro sets up compact and disciplined — his teams don't give you room in transition. Pulisic at his best cuts inside, draws fouls, and creates from tight angles. If Robinson and Dest can stretch Paraguay wide and give Pulisic the pockets he needs, the USMNT should create enough.
If Paraguay can keep it tight through the first 30 minutes and absorb the crowd's energy, this gets uncomfortable.
Prediction: USA 2-0 Paraguay
Home field matters enormously in World Cup openers. The crowd at SoFi will be electric, Paraguay will sit deep to start, and the USMNT has the quality to break them down. Pulisic gets on the scoresheet. Balogun adds a second after the hour. Paraguay push late but can't find a way through a composed US defensive unit.
The United States starts Group D with three points — and the country exhales.
USA vs Paraguay kicks off June 12 at 9 p.m. ET from SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Watch live on FOX and Fubo.