Published March 29, 2026
The United States lost 5-2 to Belgium and Mexico and Portugal ended in scoreless draws for Mauricio Pochettino’s team, which will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Saturday’s fierce battle was a wake-up call for the U.S. team 75 days before the tournament. Despite their recent good performance, the American team once again proved to be severely lacking against Europe’s top opponents.
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“I think this is a good reality check for us, because now is the time to feel this kind of situation and improve it,” Pochettino said after the game in Atlanta. “Of course we need to improve.”
The Americans took an early lead against the world’s No. 9 team, with Weston McKennie coming on to the delight of the 67,000-strong crowd in Atlanta.
But hopes of a statement victory were dashed as the Americans knew their chances of advancing in the World Cup likely depended on defeating Europe’s elite teams.
After conceding a goal, the Belgians quickly bounced back with goals from Zeno De Basto, Amadou Onana and Charles de Ketelaer, as well as two goals from substitute Dodi Lukabakio.
Patrick Agyeman grabbed a late consolation for America, who face Portugal in another high-profile friendly on Tuesday, before Pochettino announces his final squad in May.
Man dies in Azteca before Mexico vs. Portugal match
Meanwhile, the friendly match between Mexico and Portugal, which marked the reopening of Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium ahead of the World Cup, ended in a 0-0 draw.
The restart was controversial after a man fell to his death from the box seating area shortly before the game, according to security officials.
Authorities said the man was intoxicated. He climbed along the outside of the building and attempted to jump from a box seat on the second floor to the first floor, before falling to the first floor.
The match also served as a test event for the renovated stadium, drawing an enthusiastic crowd to get a taste of the atmosphere ahead of the tournament, which ran from June 11 to July 19.
The iconic venue, which hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals, will be closed from May 2024 for renovations and will host five World Cup matches (three in the first round and two in the knockout stages).
The Portuguese came into the match particularly without forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Leao.
Portugal’s Joao Felix tried to score in the 14th minute, and midway through the first half Gonzalo Ramos hit the post.
The visitors continued to look more dangerous after the break, with Bruno Fernandes’ shot narrowly going wide.
Tensions briefly flared between Pedro Neto and Jesus Gallardo, but the introduction of Toluca’s Portuguese striker Paulinho was met with loud cheers from the home crowd.
“I think we had 10 shots on goal, which is not far from what we were aiming for,” Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said.
“What wasn’t good was the number of shots on target, and we lacked accuracy.
“Success or failure is not just about the score. There are many more factors involved these days. After 90 minutes, I think the team is better prepared for the World Cup,” Martinez said.
Mexico, who were booed by some in the crowd at the final whistle, will face Belgium in another friendly on Tuesday.
The tournament co-hosts will play South Africa at the Aztecs in the tournament opener on June 11.
Wirtz shines for Germany in Switzerland
In other results, German forward Florian Wirtz scored two goals, including the winning goal in the 86th minute, and his team came back from twice behind to score two more goals and beat Switzerland 4-3 in Basel.
Wirtz, 22, put the visitors 3-2 ahead in an entertaining game with a stunning 18-metre curl and then scored the winner with a superb shot from the edge of the box.
Wirtz, who missed the 2022 World Cup due to injury, has struggled for form in his first season at Liverpool, but had arguably his best game for the national team on Friday.
“Well, we have four scorer points, so probably,” Wirtz said. “We have a tough World Cup ahead of us and of course we want to reach the final and win the trophy, but we all know it will be a very difficult road until then.”
