The USMNT is gearing up for two significant matches against Belgium and Portugal, scheduled for March 28 and March 31, 2026, respectively. These games will take place in Atlanta, GA, as part of their preparations leading up to the FIFA World Cup.
Players are expected to report to Atlanta on March 22, 2026, with the match against Belgium kicking off at 3:30 p.m. ET. Following that, the team will face Portugal at 7 p.m. ET. This training camp will see 27 players called up, marking an important phase as the team finalizes its roster for the World Cup.
Under the guidance of head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the USMNT has shown promising form, achieving a record of 8 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws in their last 12 matches. However, the squad will be missing key player Tyler Adams, who has been omitted due to an undisclosed injury. This absence raises concerns about the team’s depth and overall performance.
Despite limited club action, Gio Reyna has been included in the roster, highlighting the coaching staff’s trust in his potential impact. Additionally, Antonee Robinson returns to the team after missing international duty in 2025 due to injury, bringing valuable experience back to the squad.
The USMNT has only played four matches in Atlanta, with their first encounter dating back to 1968. This historical context adds significance to the upcoming games, as the team looks to build on its past performances in the city. The first match in Atlanta was a narrow 1-0 victory against Canada during World Cup Qualifying.
As the team prepares for these matches, they are also looking ahead to the World Cup, where they will open the group stage against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026. Following that, they will travel to Seattle to face Australia on June 19, marking their first visit to the city since 2016.
In light of the upcoming matches, Pochettino emphasized the importance of treating these games as integral parts of their World Cup preparation. “We must treat these games like they are a part of the World Cup, and what is most important is that the players bring the right mentality and commitment to the group,” he stated.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full impact of injuries on the team’s performance, particularly concerning players like Adams and Haji Wright. As the USMNT looks to finalize its roster and strategy, the focus remains on maximizing their potential ahead of the World Cup.
