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.

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.