Following a lackluster 2-0 loss to a Portugal side that rested Cristiano Ronaldo, Pochettino didn’t mince words about the talent gap his squad currently faces.

“Belgium and Portugal both have players in that ‘top 100’ tier, players performing at the highest elite level. Right now, I don’t think we have that,” Pochettino told reporters. “We have to be honest about where we are if we want to bridge that gap before June.”

A depleted roster or a deeper issue?

While the results were sobering, the USMNT was far from full strength. A localized “injury crisis” in the backline forced Pochettino into experimental lineups, including playing winger Tim Weah at right-back to counter the pace of Belgium’s Jeremy Doku.

The list of absentees for the March window reads like a “who’s who” of the American starting XI:

• Chris Richards (Crystal Palace): Knee inflammation forced him out of camp.
• Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati): Groin injury sustained during training in Atlanta.
• Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven): Still sidelined with a lingering hamstring issue from early March.
• James Sands (NYCFC): Ruled out for the season; his World Cup hopes are effectively over.
• Tyler Adams (Bournemouth): The captain missed the window entirely with a quad injury.
• Antonee “Jedi” Robinson (Fulham): While in camp, the left-back was kept on a strict “minutes restriction.”

Despite the “growing talent” narrative often touted by U.S. Soccer, conceding five goals to Belgium and failing to find the net against Portugal’s B-team highlights a lack of depth that could prove fatal in the group stages.

The road to the final 26

The clock is officially ticking. Pochettino now has less than two months to evaluate his options before the May 30 deadline to submit his final World Cup roster.

Insiders expect the formal announcement to come between May 26 and May 28, just ahead of the team’s final tune-up matches against Senegal and Germany. For the players on the bubble, the “reality check” in Atlanta may have been the final deciding factor in whether they make the flight to the World Cup opener.

The game started with a lot of intensity from the home team, with Christian Pulisic leading most of the attacks. Nevertheless, it was Portugal who scored first with a goal by Francisco Trincao in the first half.

For the second 45 minutes, Portugal dominated the game completely. Joao Felix scored the second goal of the night with a beautiful shot to secure the victory on the road.

[Watch USA vs Portugal online in the US on DirecTV Stream]

The United States enters its next test looking to regroup after a disappointing 5-2 loss to Belgium that raised serious concerns. Now, the Americans turn their attention to another European powerhouse, Portugal.

The Portuguese squad is coming off a quiet 0-0 draw against Mexico and will be without Cristiano Ronaldo, who is not playing against the USA today as he is recovering from a hamstring injury.

When will the USA vs Portugal match be played?

USA take on Portugal in a 2026 friendly game this Tuesday, March 31, with the match kicking off at 7:00 PM (ET). Follow our liveblog of USA vs Portugal and don’t miss anything!

USA vs Portugal: Time by State in the USA

ET: 7:00 PM
CT: 6:00 PM
MT: 5:00 PM
PT: 4:00 PM

How to watch USA vs Portugal in the USA

This Friendly clash between USA and Portugal will be available for viewers in the USA on DirecTV Stream. Other options: Sling Blue, Peacock Premium, Max, Sling Orange, Hulu + Live TV, TNT, TruTV, Telemundo, Universo.

The veteran forward was left out of the squad after failing to recover in time, with the focus now firmly on protecting his fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The absence of the captain immediately reshapes the narrative.

Coach Roberto Martinez has opted for caution, though Portugal’s lineup against the USMNT is still including world-renowned names. While the spotlight shifts away from CR7, the matchup still carries major weight for both sides.

When and how did Cristiano Ronaldo get injured?

Cristiano Ronaldo suffered a right hamstring injury on February 28 while playing for Al Nassr in a league match against Al Fayha, and he has been sidelined since then without returning to action.

The injury occurred during a 3-1 win, when the forward experienced discomfort in his thigh, later diagnosed as a muscular issue. Since that moment, he has missed both club matches and Portugal’s international call-up.

There was no single dramatic incident—rather, it was a typical muscle strain linked to workload and fatigue. Still, given his age and importance, both club and country opted for a conservative timeline to avoid any setback ahead of the World Cup.

He even traveled for specialized treatment and rehabilitation, reinforcing that the focus has been on full recovery rather than rushing him back for friendlies like the one against the United States.

When will Cristiano Ronaldo return to play for Portugal?

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return to action in early April with Al Nassr, with his comeback depending on how he responds after being cleared to resume training following his hamstring injury.

Medical updates indicate that the injury is not considered serious, and Portugal’s coaching staff has emphasized that he is not at risk of missing the 2026 World Cup. The decision to sit him out against both Mexico and the United States is strictly precautionary.

The timeline suggests he could be back in competitive matches within one to two weeks, aligning with club commitments before the next international window.

Ultimately, both Portugal national team and Al Nassr are aligned on one objective: ensuring CR7 reaches peak condition for what is expected to be his final FIFA World Cup appearance, rather than risking him in pre-tournament friendlies.

The USMNT, meanwhile, look to respond after a difficult 5–2 loss to Belgium, with head coach Mauricio Pochettino expected to adjust his approach after an attacking setup that backfired in the previous match.

Historically, the matchup has been tight, with both teams recording two draws and no wins. This friendly offers both sides an opportunity to test adjustments, evaluate depth, and build momentum ahead of future competitions. Follow USA vs Portugal live with us!

USA lineup

Here’s how the USMNT lines up today: Matt Freese, Auston Trusty, Chris Richards (capt.), Antonee Robinson, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Sebastian Berhalter, Alex Freeman, Malik Tillman, Tim Weah, Aidan Morris.

Portugal lineup

Without Ronaldo, Portugal will show up with the following lineup: Jose Sa, Diogo Dalot, Tomas Araujo, Goncalo Inacio, Joao Cancelo, Samu Costa, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Francisco Trincao, Pedro Neto, Goncalo Ramos.

“If I’m the player, I say, ‘Why are you calling me with bad news?’” Pochettino said regarding the upcoming roster cuts. “If they need to call me, I am very open to explaining… but of course, it’s going to be a very sad process making these decisions.”

The atmosphere around the squad is growing increasingly tense. Between USMNT legend Landon Donovan publicly questioning teenager Noahkai Banks’ commitment after he declined a recent call-up, and the fallout from this five-goal collapse, Pochettino is navigating a locker room under fire just months before the tournament kicks off.

Even former manager Gregg Berhalter, now with the Chicago Fire, noted Pochettino’s previous bold claims to Donald Trump that the U.S. can win it all. After the Belgian masterclass, however, the U.S. status as a tournament favorite is facing its harshest scrutiny yet.

Who is missing from the camp?

Pochettino’s recent comments have cast a long shadow over several regular starters who were left out of this international window. Whether due to injury or tactical preference, the following players face a steep climb back into the World Cup picture:

• The medical room: Tyler Adams (Bournemouth, quad), Sergino Dest (PSV, hamstring), Haji Wright (Coventry City, groin), and James Sands (NYCFC, ankle surgery) all remain sidelined.
• Fitness concerns: Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake) and Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic).
• Tactical shocks: Yunus Musah (Atalanta).
• The “fringe” list: Lennard Maloney, Kristoffer Lund, Patrick Agyemang and Folarin Balogun.

The road ahead

The U.S. have little time to lick their wounds. Their next test comes against Portugal in the final leg of this international window.

It is a massive opportunity to silence the critics and prove that the Belgian disaster was an outlier rather than a preview of their World Cup exit. With the pressure to perform on home soil reaching a fever pitch, a statement win is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Belgium saw Team USA actually score the first goal and have a great first half, but then, the Red Devils took matters into their own hands. It’s like USA’s goal made Belgium woke up and unleash their power.

As for Team USA, the fact is that the alarms are going off. As soon as Belgium turned up the heat at the end of the first half, Pochettino’s side had no answers whatsoever to turn things around.

“If someone does not want to play for your country, good riddance. Goodbye,” Donovan told Tim Howard on the Unfiltered Soccer podcast.

“And I’m not mad at him. He can make his decision. But now, I don’t care about you anymore. I don’t.”

Banks has emerged as a standout performer in the Bundesliga this season, sparking high hopes for his future in the U.S. defensive rotation. His absence looms large as Pochettino begins the critical process of narrowing down his core roster ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

Pochettino sets the stage for European friendlies

With high-profile tests against Belgium and Portugal on the horizon, Pochettino has summoned a 27-man roster. The selection reflects a “win-now” mentality, leaning on established European stalwarts while filtering in a few MLS standouts.

The full 27-man roster:

• Goalkeepers (4): Chris Brady, Matt Freese, Patrick Schulte, Matt Turner.
• Defenders (9): Max Arfsten, Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, Auston Trusty.
• Midfielders (8): Sebastian Berhalter, Johnny Cardoso, Weston McKennie, Aidan Morris, Gio Reyna, Cristian Roldan, Tanner Tessmann, Malik Tillman.
• Forwards (6): Brenden Aaronson, Patrick Agyemang, Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah.

The ‘Banks’ sized hole in the defense

While the roster is deep, Banks’ absence is a notable storyline. Given his elite statistical profile at the club level, many viewed this window as the perfect opportunity to “cap-tie” the youngster and solidify the backline.

For now, the door remains open, but if Donovan’s sentiment reflects the internal culture of the squad, Banks may find the road back to the national team much steeper than he anticipated.

The absence comes amid uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo’s recent injury, which has kept him out of action in recent weeks. As Roberto Martinez to make final decision on Ronaldo’s availability for March friendlies, the coach made it clear that everything would depend on the forward’s fitness — a stance he expressed just a day before ultimately deciding to leave him out of the squad.

Ronaldo’s situation has become a growing talking point, especially given the importance of these friendlies as preparation for the World Cup. Portugal is set to face Mexico at Estadio Azteca and the United States in Atlanta, two key tests before final roster decisions are made.

Injury concerns raise questions about Ronaldo’s role

Ronaldo suffered a hamstring injury in late February while playing for Al Nassr, limiting his recent match activity. Although reports indicate it’s not a long‑term issue, his lack of fitness appears to have influenced Portugal’s decision to leave him out. At 41, he remains a key figure, but his physical condition is under closer scrutiny

Portugal’s squad for March friendlies confirmed

Portugal officially announced its squad for the March friendlies against Mexico and the United States, a list that immediately drew attention due to the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Silva

Defenders: Matheus Nunes, Diogo Dalot, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Gonçalo Inacio, Renato Veiga, Antonio Silva, Tomas Araujo

Midfielders: Ruben Neves, Samu Costa, Mateus Fernandes, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes

Forwards: Rodrigo Mora, Ricardo Horta, Pedro Gonçalves, Joao Félix, Francisco Trincao, Francisco Conceiçao, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao, Gonçalo Guedes, Gonçalo Ramos

“I think this is an important window for the respective national teams all across the world as they prepare in the final window for the World Cup,” Berhalter replied to Bolavip during his pre-match press conference ahead of the MLS clash against the Philadelphia Union.

“We have (Mbekezeli) Mbokazi going with South Africa. We have Joel (Waterman) with Canada and Chris Brady with the United States. We’ll have other youth levels and potentially others at the senior level,” Berhalter added.

“For the group, for those players, we’re proud of them. I think it’s a culmination of hard work over a long period of time to get the call-ups.“

Gregg Berhalter says it’s ‘amazing’ to be supporting Sebastian

Apart from addressing the call-ups for Chicago Fire players, Berhalter addressed his son, Sebastian, being selected to represent the USA.

“For Sebastian, you know, on an individual level as a parent, it’s amazing to be supporting him all this time, and have him start the season so well, and then get called into camp. There’s still a lot of work to be done, but hopefully he continues to perform well,” he added.

This marks the fourth time Sebastian Berhalter gets called up to the USMNT, having made his debut in 2025. It was a sensational year for the midfielder, who helped the USA reach the Concacaf Gold Cup final with two assists in five starts before scoring his first international goal during a statement 5-1 win over Uruguay in November.

Berhalter, who already boasts nine caps with the USMNT, has been in excellent form for the Vancouver Whitecaps. Voted player of the year in 2025, he picked up right where he left off by leading the team in goal contributions (three goals, four assists) in 2026.

The USMNT’s March fixtures

Sebastian Berhalter will now meet with Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady in Atlanta as both report to the USMNT, hoping to challenge for a World Cup spot.

The United States will face two top-10 FIFA-ranked European opponents at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, first hosting Belgium on Saturday, March 28 before taking on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal on Tuesday, March 31.

“Yeah, you know, I think all players that are playing right now understand that their performances will be directly linked to their call-up. If they’re playing well, they have a very good chance of getting called into camp,” Berhalter said when asked by Bolavip about his thoughts on Brady’s form and his USMNT prospects.

“So, for Chris, for him to play well in the beginning of the season, all the games so far, to start getting these clean sheets, I thought building out of the back, he was very good against Columbus. So that’s a good sign,” Berhalter added, backing his goalkeeper.

“Obviously, the final decision is going to come down to the coaching staff, but all players can do is put in good performances week after week.“

Chris Brady’s form in 2026 MLS season with Chicago Fire

Brady, who turned 22 on March 3, was named to the MLS Team of the Matchday following his four-save shutout in Chicago‘s goalless draw against the Columbus Crew on Matchday 3.

It was the second consecutive clean sheet for the Naperville native, whose form makes him a candidate to get a USMNT call-up this month. The young goalie already has experience training with the Stars and Stripes, even though he has yet to make an official appearance with the senior national team.

Brady’s USMNT experience and chances

After being called up to the senior roster for training camp in June and making the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup squad, Brady returned to the USMNT for training camp in October 2025.

The starting spot appears to be locked in for New York City FC’s Matt Freese, whereas veteran New England Revolution keeper Matt Turner is also expected to make the World Cup. The third spot might be up for grabs, with Patrick Schulte of the Columbus Crew in contention.

But if Brady keeps up with this strong start to the year, it shouldn’t be a surprise to see the Chicago Fire sensation get a chance before the final cut for the big tournament.