USMNT to Face Portugal and Belgium in Atlanta as World Cup Countdown Begins
Portugal, Belgium, and a World Cup on home soil — Pochettino is wasting no time turning up the heat on USMNT preparations, but injury concerns are already starting to bite.
Friendlies
Mauricio Pochettino's United States men's national team will get two serious tests of their World Cup readiness in the March international window, with European heavyweights Belgium and Portugal both heading to Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
U.S. Soccer confirmed the back-to-back fixtures as part of a broader four-game preparation schedule before June's tournament kicks off on home soil.
USMNT vs Belgium — March 28
The Stars and Stripes open the double-header against Belgium on Saturday, March 28, with kick-off set for 3:30 p.m. ET. The Belgians arrive having already secured their place at the 2026 World Cup and will offer Pochettino a genuine benchmark for where his squad currently stands.
USMNT vs Portugal — March 31
Three days later, the U.S. stay in Atlanta to host Portugal, with kick-off at 7:00 p.m. ET. The prospect of Cristiano Ronaldo appearing in Georgia is sure to generate plenty of buzz, and with some pundits tipping Portugal as potential dark horses for the tournament itself, this will be no easy evening's work for the hosts.
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