Manuel Neuer has been dealing with a calf injury, preventing him from finishing the Bundesliga season with Bayern Munich. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann decided to leave him off the bench entirely for this friendly match.

As for Antonio Rudiger, the Real Madrid defender will start on the bench. The decision appears purely tactical, as Nico Schlotterbeck and Jonathan Tah currently show better form at the center-back position.

Manuel Neuer’s absence raises alarms for Germany

Prior to the final roster announcement, doubts lingered over whether Nagelsmann would select Neuer due to his injury and a rumored strained relationship.

While Neuer made the final cut, his absence against the USMNT raises alarms for Die Mannschaft. They expected him to start over Oliver Baumann in the World Cup, but this setback could cost him the starting job.

The roster also includes Jonas Urbig, who replaced Neuer at Bayern Munich during the veteran’s absence this season. While Baumann is slated to start the tournament due to Neuer’s injury, Urbig provides a highly reliable option in an emergency.

Germany’s starting lineup vs USA is talent-stacked

Julian Nagelsmann deployed top weapons for Germany’s final pre-World Cup test. The coach fielded the potential eleven that will start their tournament opener against Curacao on June 14.

Germany’s starting lineup to face the USMNT: Oliver Baumann; Nathaniel Brown, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jonathan Tah, Joshua Kimmich; Aleksandar Pavlovic, Felix Nmecha; Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, Leroy Sane, and Kai Havertz.

The opening goal came early through a Kai Havertz header, just two minutes into the match. As the first half was coming to an end, a stunning strike from Antonee Robinson leveled the score.

Midway through the second half, Leroy Sane showed his quality with a precise shot from outside the box, making it 2–1—the final score with which Germany ultimately secured the win.

How to watch USMNT vs Germany in the USA

Fans in the United States can watch this marquee matchup live on TBS, Telemundo, and Universo through traditional television coverage.

Streaming options include DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Sling Orange, Hulu + Live TV, Peacock Premium, and Max. With plenty of excitement expected, this is a game soccer fans won’t want to miss.

Can I watch USMNT vs Germany for free?

Fans in the United States can catch this highly anticipated showdown live on DirecTV Stream, which offers a five-day free trial for new subscribers.

The service includes the channel airing the game nationwide, allowing viewers to follow every key play, major highlight, and decisive moment in real time.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

With the World Cup just around the corner, the United States gets one final chance to test itself against top-level opposition. Led by Christian Pulisic, the Americans will meet Germany in a marquee friendly as they look to build momentum before their tournament opener.

Germany, a four-time world champion, is aiming to bounce back after group-stage exits in each of the last two World Cups. With both teams eager to make a statement, this matchup promises plenty of excitement. Don’t miss what should be one of the most compelling World Cup tune-ups on the schedule.

USMNT vs Germany: Predicted Lineups

USMNT (3-4-3): Turner; Freeman, Ream, McKenzie; Dest, McKennie, Adams, Robinson; Reyna, Pepi, Pulisic.

Germany (4-2-3-1): Baumann; Kimmich, Tah, Schotterbeck, Brown; Goretzka, Pavlovic; Karl, Wirtz, Leweling; Woltemade.

What time is the USMNT vs Germany match?

The match kicks off today, June 6, at 2:30 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 2:30 PM
Central Time: 1:30 PM
Mountain Time: 12:30 PM
Pacific Time: 11:30 AM

Meanwhile, Senegal entered the match eager to prove they still carried the pedigree of an African giant. The Lions of Teranga were looking to prove why they defeated tournament host Morocco in extra time during the Africa Cup of Nations final.

Looking ahead, both squads will quickly shift their focus to their next pre-tournament tests; the USMNT will head to Chicago to square off against powerhouse Germany on June 6, while Senegal travel to Texas to face Saudi Arabia on June 9.

How to watch USMNT vs Senegal in the USA

For viewers planning to watch the game live, several broadcast and streaming options will be available. Traditional television coverage can be found on TBS, Telemundo, and Universo, ensuring fans have multiple ways to follow the action from start to finish.

Those who prefer to stream the matchup online can tune in through DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Sling Orange, Hulu + Live TV, Peacock Premium, and Max. With a variety of platforms offering live access, supporters can enjoy the contest on numerous compatible devices wherever they are.

Can I watch USMNT vs Senegal for free?

Viewers across the United States can catch this highly anticipated contest live through DirecTV Stream, which provides access to the network airing the broadcast nationwide.

For those who prefer not to subscribe immediately, DirecTV Stream also offers a 5-day free trial, allowing fans throughout the USA to tune in and watch all the action unfold live without any upfront cost. Follow our liveblog of USA vs Senegal for minute-by-minute updates!

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature a high-profile showdown. With the tournament set to be played on home soil, the Americans are eager to build momentum and prove they can make a deep run next summer.

Led by Christian Pulisic, the USA squad will be challenged by a Senegal side that has emerged as one of the continent’s strongest teams, coming off another impressive AFCON campaign despite the controversy surrounding its final against Morocco.

Spearheaded by star forward Sadio Mane, Senegal will look to make a statement on the global stage, turning this matchup against a leading CONCACAF nation into an early measuring stick ahead of the World Cup.

USMNT vs Senegal: Predicted Lineups

USMNT (4-3-3): Freese; Freeman, Ream, Trusty, Robinson; McKennie, Berhalter, Adams; Weah, Pulisic, Tillman.

Senegal (4-3-3): Mendy; Diatta, M Sarr, Niakhate, Jakobs; Diarra, Camara, P Sarr; I Sarr, Jackson, Mane.

What time is the USMNT vs Senegal match?

The match kicks off today, May 31, at 3:30 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 3:30 PM
Central Time: 2:30 PM
Mountain Time: 1:30 PM
Pacific Time: 12:30 PM

Per James Horncastle of The Athletic, Pochettino met with AC Milan representatives last week during USMNT’s camp in Georgia. AC Milan are going through a complete overhaul after a second-half season collapse that saw them miss the Champions League spots. Now they need someone to take the reins as Massimiliano Allegri was fired by the Italian club.

Pochettino’s contract with the USMNT expires after the World Cup. Hence, the 54-year-old might be seeking pastures new already, signaling that he is not interested in staying.

Mauricio Pochettino is not the only candidate for AC Milan

Horncastle also mentions in his report that Pochettino is not the frontrunner for the Milan job. That spot belongs to Andoni Iraola, who had an excellent tenure with AFC Bournemouth, but decided to leave hoping for a step up. Iraola has also been in contact with AC Milan.

Iraola and Pochettino’s style vary heavily. Andoni Iraola’s philosophy focuses on extreme verticality and aggressive pressing, whereas Mauricio Pochettino prefers a more possession-oriented and positional-play style.

Mauricio Pochettino’s stock has fallen massively

There was a time where Pochettino was looked upon as one of the best managers in world soccer. However, he had failed stints at PSG (France) and Chelsea (UK). After that, he took the job as manager of the United States, where he hasn’t impressed either.

For the USMNT, Pochettino has a record of 13 wins, two draws, and nine losses. That is not good enough for the expectations he brought when hired. Still, it seems like AC Milan are at least intrigued by the prospect of him being their new manager.

Richards has suffered two torn ligaments in his ankle, according to Crystal Palace’s head coach Oliver Gardner, cited by Sporting News‘ Kyle Bonn, casting serious doubt over his availability for his club’s upcoming matches. It is currently a 50/50 toss-up whether the defender will be cleared to play anytime soon, leaving his World Cup status in a precarious race against time.

Richards has developed into a defensive cornerstone for the USMNT under manager Mauricio Pochettino. Losing him would trigger massive anxiety for Pulisic and the rest of the squad regarding the backline’s stability on home soil. Without a locked-in starter of his caliber, the coaching staff will have to aggressively vet alternative options to anchor the defense.

This crushing setback only compounds a brutal stretch of luck for the USMNT, which already received a major blow following confirmation of Johnny Cardoso’s recent injury. If Richards is unable to recover in time, the list of high-profile absentees will become dangerously long for the Americans.

Assessing Pochettino’s defensive alternatives

While Pochettino boasts several depth options on his preliminary roster, none of the available candidates currently offer the exact blend of form and top-tier pedigree that Richards brings to the pitch.

Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Miles Robinson, and Austin Trusty loom as the primary candidates tasked with filling the massive void if Richards is officially ruled out of the tournament.

With a cloud of uncertainty hovering over Richards, and impactful names like Cardoso already sidelined alongside other roster bubble questions like Patrick Agyemang, the USMNT faces a grueling narrative of adversity just weeks before kicking off its group stage opener against Paraguay on June 12.

With matches scheduled in LA and Seattle, the tournament will place the Stars and Stripes under a spotlight unlike anything the program has experienced since 1994. The USA was placed in Group D alongside Paraguay, Australia and Turkiye.

Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and a new generation of American stars are expected to carry the pressure of a country eager for a breakthrough, while massive venues like SoFi Stadium prepare for some of the loudest soccer nights.

Which group is the USMNT in for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The United States was drawn into Group D for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Paraguay, Australia and Turkiye. As one of the tournament’s co-hosts, the US automatically qualified and was placed in Pot 1 during the official FIFA draw.

The group is considered competitive but manageable for Mauricio Pochettino’s squad, especially compared to some of the tournament’s tougher draws. Paraguay bring World Cup experience and physicality, Australia remain one of Asia’s most disciplined teams, while Turkiye enter the competition after an impressive qualifying campaign.

With the expanded 48-team format, the top two teams from each group — plus the eight best third-place finishers overall — will advance to the Round of 32, meaning every point could become crucial throughout the group stage.

When will the USMNT play at the 2026 World Cup?

The USMNT will begin its 2026 World Cup campaign on June 12 in Los Angeles. The team’s second match is scheduled for June 19 in Seattle, before returning to Los Angeles on June 25 for the final group-stage game.

USMNT 2026 World Cup group-stage schedule:

• June 12, 2026 — USMNT vs. Paraguay
• June 19, 2026 — USMNT vs. Australia
• June 25, 2026 — USMNT vs. Turkiye

The tournament itself runs from June 11 through July 19, 2026, making it the longest and largest World Cup in FIFA history with 104 matches across North America.

Where will the USMNT play its World Cup matches?

The United States will play its group-stage matches in two cities: Los Angeles and Seattle. SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, will host both the opener against Paraguay and the final group-stage match against Turkiye, while Lumen Field in Seattle hosts the matchup against Australia.

SoFi Stadium is expected to become one of the centerpiece venues of the tournament, hosting eight matches overall, including knockout-stage fixtures and the USMNT opener. Meanwhile, Seattle’s Lumen Field has long been recognized as one of the loudest soccer environments.

The USMNT also selected Irvine, California, as its official training base during the tournament because of its proximity to Los Angeles and its high-performance facilities.

What happens if the USMNT advances from the group stage?

If the United States advances from Group D, the knockout-stage path will depend on whether the team finishes first, second or qualifies as one of the best third-place teams. FIFA’s expanded format introduces a new Round of 32, increasing the number of knockout matches compared to previous tournaments.

According to the current bracket projections, a first-place finish in Group D could keep the USMNT on the West Coast for the early knockout rounds, including potential matches in San Francisco, Seattle and Los Angeles. Finishing second would likely send the team toward Dallas and Atlanta instead.

The World Cup Final will take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where FIFA is also planning the first-ever halftime show featuring Madonna, Shakira and BTS.

Per Ben Jacobs of GiveMeSport, the United States soccer team is in touch to see how fast Cardoso could return to the pitch, but overall sentiment is he will miss the World Cup.

Cardoso is a very good midfielder who brings stability and quality to the USMNT’s middle section. Without the Atletico Madrid midfielder, the son of Brazilian parents will leave a hole on Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.

Who could replace Cardoso on USMNT?

MLS-based talents could come in handy to replace Johnny Cardoso. For instance, names like Sebastian Berhalter from the Vancouver Whitecaps or Cristian Roldan from the Seattle Sounders could see their names called.

Berhalter was a bright spot for the USMNT during the 2025 Gold Cup and he’s been called plenty of times by Pochettino. His role could be bigger without Cardoso on the squad, though. Also, Roldan has 45 caps for the USMNT and World Cup experience. It’s time for Pochettino to solve the puzzle.

Does the USMNT has other players out of the World Cup?

Striker Patrick Agyemang is fully discarded due to an Achilles tear. Goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann suffered a broken neck, so he is also out of the World Cup. Left back John Tolkin has an inner knee ligament injury that has sidelined him.

A few other key pieces are battling injuries, creating uncertainty around their names but still expected to be able to play in the World Cup. Those players are forward Christian Pulisic, versatile Tim Weah, and midfielder Tanner Tessmann.

“Well, I’m sure he’s getting a lot of advice from his father (former USMNT manager Bob Bradley), and he’s got some great pedigree,” Berhalter said during his Thursday media availability.

“He probably doesn’t need my advice, but, you know, coaching is a journey, and he’s a smart guy, and for him, it’s just a continual journey to keep learning and keep improving.

“And if you could do that as a human being, as a coach, I think you’ll position yourself well. But it’s been fun watching him, really the first of this generation to get an opportunity to be a head coach in MLS, and it’s really nice to see,” Berhalter added.

When Bradley impressed Berhalter on the USMNT

Bradley was only 18 when he met Berhalter for the first time. Just a month before the 2006 World Cup, Bradley was invited to the USMNT training camp as the senior roster prepared for the big tournament in Germany.

Eventually, Berhalter went on to coach the US national team and in 2018-2019 overlapped with Bradley, who captained the Stars and Stripes in 48 of his 151 international caps.

“I remember the 2006 World Cup, he was joining the team to train with us before we left for Germany, and I sat next to him at one dinner and I remember just talking to him and hearing from him and, at that time, he was wise beyond his years,” Berhalter said in 2023 when Bradley announced his retirement from soccer.

Bradley still taking first steps as a coach

After hanging up his boots, Bradley served as an assistant to his father Bob at Stabæk Fotbal. His first head coaching came with the New York Red Bulls II, leading them to their first-ever MLS Next Pro championship in 2025.

That earned him a promotion to the MLS team after a tough year in which it missed the playoffs. The NYRB are still a work in progress under Bradley, sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference with 12 points in 11 games.

Berhalter, on the other hand, is looking to build on Chicago’s playoff run from last year as his side sits fourth in the East with 17 points in 10 games. This, in addition to his experience on the managerial role, makes Berhalter’s advice useful for a young coach like Bradley, who’s navigating a challenging start in MLS.

“I would give Julian the advice to follow his heart,” Bradley replied to Bolavip during his Tuesday media availability ahead of Wednesday’s derby against New York City FC in the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup round of 16.

Hall, born and raised in the US, also has Polish citizenship through his mother, who met with Poland‘s soccer federation president Cezary Kulesza this week.

Bradley not putting pressure on Hall to choose the USMNT over Poland

Despite being an icon of the US national team with 151 caps, Bradley understands that Hall’s decision will be personal, which is why he’s encouraging his player to decide what he feels best.

“For any football player who has the possibility to play for two countries, I personally can’t imagine what goes into a decision like that. I was only able to play for one national team, and so that is not something that I have experience with,” Bradley added.

“But for me, when it comes to any big decisions in life, you think about things, and you reflect, and then ultimately you make a decision based on your heart, and based on where you want to go and what you want out of your life and what you want out of that decision. And when you make the decision, then you go for it and you don’t look back.“

Poland FA president meets with Hall’s mother in New York

Kulesza’s post on X revealing the meeting with Hall’s mother made noise on social media, hinting at Poland’s interest in recruiting Hall before he suits up for the Stars and Stripes.

“I met in New York with Julian Zakrzewski Hall’s mom, Ms. Agnieszka. It’s impressive how she supports her son on his soccer journey. We were of the same opinion – that the surname Zakrzewski looks beautiful on a white-and-red jersey,” Kulesza wrote.

Julian Hall’s excellent start to 2026 puts him on Poland’s radar again

Hall has been in great form for New York early in 2026, boasting six goals and two assists in just 10 MLS appearances. All of this with his mother’s birth name, Zakrzewski, on the back of his shirt.

This fact, combined with Kulesza’s recent meeting, could worry USMNT fans about Poland’s chances to recruit Hall.

That said, the forward already had the possibility to represent Poland at the youth international level, yet he only played for the US. Only time will tell what flag he ends up representing for the rest of his career.