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.
USMNT World Cup Roster Leaked: Diego Luna Out, Gio Reyna In — And Pochettino Has Some Explaining to Do
Pochettino's 26-man squad is defender-heavy, contains at least one genuinely surprising inclusion, and leaves out two players most fans assumed were locks. Here's what it means.
The 2026 World Cup roster for the US Men's National Team has been obtained by The Guardian ahead of Tuesday's official announcement at Pier 17 in Manhattan, and it's already generating serious debate.
Mauricio Pochettino's 26-man squad is defender-heavy, contains at least one genuinely surprising inclusion, and leaves out two players who most fans assumed were locks. Here's what you need to know — and what it tells us about how Pochettino plans to set up on home soil.
The headline omission: Diego Luna
This is the one that will sting the most. Luna, 22, has been one of the USMNT's most consistent contributors over the past year. He returned from a knee injury in April and went straight back to form for Real Salt Lake — four goals and two assists in seven MLS appearances. He's dynamic, he's young, and he's been a fan favorite.
He's not on the plane.
Pochettino may be taking a more long-term approach with the 22-year-old, but that's cold comfort for fans who watched Luna earn his spot. The omission leaves a real question about the attacking depth behind the front three.
Tessmann out too — but this one's easier to understand
Tanner Tessmann sustained a muscle strain at Lyon two weeks ago, and while he was still anticipated to be included, his omission appears to be injury-related. He featured heavily for Lyon this season and was widely expected to slot into the midfield. Whether this is a permanent door closed or an injury call that could change before June 1's official submission deadline remains to be seen.
The curious inclusion: Gio Reyna
Reyna is a talented but polarizing figure who has made only four USMNT appearances since the Copa América in the summer of 2024. His selection over Luna — who was producing at club level right up until selection — is the decision Pochettino will face the most questions about on Tuesday.
Reyna's ceiling is undeniable. But at a World Cup on home soil, with games that matter from day one, the gap between ceiling and consistency is a real risk.
Alejandro Zendejas gets the nod
Club América winger Alejandro Zendejas earned a spot despite receiving just 139 minutes under Pochettino. That's a significant vote of confidence from a coach who has repeatedly said no one is safe regardless of reputation.
What the roster tells us about Pochettino's plan
This roster reflects exactly what Pochettino set out to build: a squad without entitlement, where competition ran through every position group, and 71 players got a look before 26 were chosen.
The front three of Balogun, Pepi, and Wright is lean — just three pure forwards for six weeks of tournament football. Zendejas offers versatility higher up the pitch, but if Balogun picks up an injury, the depth chart gets thin fast.
What happens next
The official roster announcement is Tuesday, May 26 at Pier 17 on the East River in Manhattan — a live public event with player appearances and entertainment. Official rosters aren't due until June 1, and it's possible these leaks have inaccuracies. With two more friendlies against Senegal and Germany ahead of the Cup, the roster could still shift if FIFA approves injury-related changes.
The World Cup opener is June 11. Pochettino has 18 days to answer every question this roster just raised.
Complete 2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule: All 104 Matches, Dates, Times, and How to Watch
Every match, every date, every kickoff time — the complete 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule from the June 11 opener to the July 19 Final at MetLife Stadium.
By World Soccer Wire Editorial
Your definitive reference guide to every match at the 2026 World Cup — from the June 11 opener in Mexico City to the July 19 Final at MetLife Stadium. Bookmark this page.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 through July 19 across 16 stadiums in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It's the biggest tournament in history — 48 teams, 104 matches, 39 days. The US hosts 78 of those matches, including every game from the quarterfinals onward. The Final takes place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
All 104 matches air on FOX and FS1 in English, and on Telemundo and Universo in Spanish. Stream everything on FuboTV, Sling TV, or FOX One ($19.99/month). Spanish-language streaming on Peacock.
How the Tournament Works
The 2026 World Cup introduces a new format:
Group Stage (June 11–27): 48 teams split into 12 groups of four (Groups A–L). Every team plays three matches. The top two from each group advance automatically. The eight best third-place finishers also advance — meaning 32 teams total move on.
Round of 32 (June 28–July 3): Brand new to the World Cup. 32 teams, single-elimination. Winners advance to the Round of 16.
Round of 16 (July 4–7): 16 teams remain. Every match from this point airs exclusively on FOX.
Quarterfinals (July 9–10): 8 teams. All matches in the US.
Semifinals (July 14–15): 4 teams. Atlanta and Dallas.
Third-Place Match (July 18): Miami.
Final (July 19): MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey. 3:00 PM ET on FOX.
The 12 Groups
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czechia
Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C: Argentina, Algeria, Jordan, Ukraine (TBC)
Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey
Group E: Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, TBD
Group F: France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq
Group G: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, TBD
Group H: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group I: England, TBD, TBD, TBD
Group J: Portugal, TBD, TBD, TBD
Group K: Netherlands, TBD, TBD, TBD
Group L: Belgium, Uruguay, TBD, TBD
Key Tournament Dates at a Glance
Date Milestone June 11 Tournament opens — Mexico vs. South Africa, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, 3:00 PM ET June 12 USA opener — USA vs. Paraguay, SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, 9:00 PM ET June 13–27 Group stage continues — up to 6 matches per day June 24–27 Simultaneous group finales — all final group matches played at same time June 28 Round of 32 begins July 3 Round of 32 concludes July 4 Round of 16 begins — all remaining matches on FOX only July 7 Round of 16 concludes July 9–10 Quarterfinals July 14–15 Semifinals — Atlanta and Dallas July 18 Third-Place Match — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami July 19FINAL — MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, 3:00 PM ET on FOX
USMNT Schedule — All Group Stage Matches
Date Match Venue Time (ET) TV June 12 USA vs. Paraguay SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles 9:00 PM FOX June 19 USA vs. Australia Lumen Field, Seattle 3:00 PM FOX June 25 USA vs. Turkey SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles 10:00 PM FOX
Group Stage Schedule — All US Matches (ET)
June 11 Mexico vs. South Africa — Estadio Azteca, Mexico City — 3:00 PM — FOX
June 12 Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina — BMO Field, Toronto — 3:00 PM — FOX USA vs. Paraguay — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles — 9:00 PM — FOX Qatar vs. Switzerland — Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara — 3:00 PM — FS1 South Korea vs. Czechia — Estadio Akron, Guadalajara — 10:00 PM — FS1
June 13 Australia vs. Turkey — BC Place, Vancouver — 12:00 AM — FS1 Spain vs. Cabo Verde — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta — 12:00 PM — FOX Argentina vs. Algeria — Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City — 3:00 PM — FOX
June 14 Germany vs. Curaçao — NRG Stadium, Houston — 1:00 PM — FOX France vs. Senegal — (Venue TBC) — (Time TBC) — FOX Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador — Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia — 7:00 PM — FS1
June 15 Brazil vs. Morocco — (Venue TBC) — (Time TBC) — FOX England vs. (opponent) — (Venue TBC) — (Time TBC) — FOX
June 18 Canada vs. Qatar — BC Place, Vancouver — 6:00 PM — FOX Czechia vs. South Africa — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta — 12:00 PM — FS1
June 19 USA vs. Australia — Lumen Field, Seattle — 3:00 PM — FOX Turkey vs. Paraguay — Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara — 11:00 PM — FS1
June 21 Spain vs. Saudi Arabia — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta — 12:00 PM — FOX USA vs. Australia — Lumen Field, Seattle — 3:00 PM — FOX
June 24 Switzerland vs. Canada — BC Place, Vancouver — 3:00 PM — FOX Morocco vs. Haiti — (Venue TBC) — 6:00 PM — FS1
June 25 USA vs. Turkey — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles — 10:00 PM — FOX Paraguay vs. Australia — Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara — 10:00 PM — FS1
June 27 Congo DR vs. Uzbekistan — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta — 7:30 PM — FS1
Round of 32 — June 28 through July 3
The Round of 32 is brand new to the World Cup. All 32 advancing teams play single-elimination matches across US, Canadian, and Mexican venues. Every match airs on FOX.
Key matchups (group winners and runners-up are confirmed after June 27):
June 28 Group A Runner-up vs. Group B Runner-up — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles — 3:00 PM
June 29 Group C Winner vs. Group F Runner-up — NRG Stadium, Houston — 1:00 PM Group E Winner vs. best 3rd place — Gillette Stadium, Boston — 4:30 PM Group F Winner vs. Group C Runner-up — Estadio BBVA, Monterrey — 9:00 PM
June 30 Group E Runner-up vs. Group I Runner-up — AT&T Stadium, Dallas — 1:00 PM Group I Winner vs. best 3rd place — MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey — 5:00 PM Group A Winner vs. best 3rd place — Estadio Azteca, Mexico City — 9:00 PM
July 1 Group L Winner vs. best 3rd place — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta — 12:00 PM Group G Winner vs. best 3rd place — Lumen Field, Seattle — 4:00 PM Group D Winner vs. best 3rd place — Levi's Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area — 8:00 PM
July 2 Group H Winner vs. Group J Runner-up — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles — 3:00 PM Group K Runner-up vs. Group L Runner-up — BMO Field, Toronto — 7:00 PM Group B Winner vs. best 3rd place — BC Place, Vancouver — 11:00 PM
July 3 Group D Runner-up vs. Group G Runner-up — AT&T Stadium, Dallas — 2:00 PM Group J Winner vs. Group H Runner-up — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami — 6:00 PM Group K Winner vs. best 3rd place — Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City — 9:30 PM
Round of 16 — July 4–7
All matches from the Round of 16 onward air exclusively on FOX. No FS1.
July 4 (Independence Day) Match 90 — NRG Stadium, Houston — 1:00 PM Match 89 — Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia — 5:00 PM Match 91 — MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey — 9:00 PM
July 5 Match 92 — AT&T Stadium, Dallas — 1:00 PM Match 93 — Gillette Stadium, Boston — 5:00 PM Match 94 — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami — 9:00 PM
July 6 Match 95 — Lumen Field, Seattle — 1:00 PM Match 96 — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles — 5:00 PM
July 7 Match 97 — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta — 1:00 PM Match 98 — Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City — 5:00 PM
Quarterfinals — July 9–10
July 9 QF1 — MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey — 3:00 PM — FOX QF2 — NRG Stadium, Houston — 7:00 PM — FOX
July 10 QF3 — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles — 3:00 PM — FOX QF4 — Gillette Stadium, Boston — 7:00 PM — FOX
Semifinals — July 14–15
July 14 SF1 — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta — 3:00 PM — FOX
July 15 SF2 — AT&T Stadium, Dallas — 3:00 PM — FOX
Third-Place Match and Final
July 18 — Third-Place Match Hard Rock Stadium, Miami — 3:00 PM ET — FOX
July 19 — THE FINAL MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey — 3:00 PM ET — FOX Coldplay performs at halftime.
How to Watch Every Match
English-language (FOX/FS1):FuboTV — full package including FOX, FS1, Telemundo, Universo. Sling TV Blue— includes FOX and FS1 in select markets. FOX One— standalone streaming, all 104 matches in 4K, $19.99/month.
Spanish-language (Telemundo/Universo):Peacock Premium— all 104 matches in Spanish for $7.99/month. Tubi— FREE for 2 matches only: Mexico vs. South Africa (June 11) and USA vs. Paraguay (June 12).
This schedule will be updated as kickoff times and matchups are confirmed for later rounds. Bookmark this page and check back throughout the tournament.
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