The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) faces Portugal in a marquee international friendly on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, as both sides gear up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This high-stakes clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, pits the home team still smarting from a 5-2 loss to Belgium against a Portugal squad packed with European talent. It serves as a vital tune-up for Mauricio Pochettino’s Americans, who are testing depth and cohesion on home soil ahead of the tournament they will co-host.
Key players
For the USMNT, captain Christian Pulisic remains the creative heartbeat, while Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams (or his deputies) anchor midfield. Portugal, missing Cristiano Ronaldo in this window, will rely on Bruno Fernandes’ vision, João Félix’s flair, and a rock-solid defense led by Gonçalo Inácio. Expect an open, attacking contest that highlights tactical battles in midfield and transitions.
Match Details and How to Watch
• Kickoff Time: 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT) on Tuesday, March 31, 2026
• Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
• TV Channel: Universo (Spanish-language broadcast)
• Live Stream: Stream live on Peacock (en Español)
Predicted Lineups
USMNT (possible 4-2-3-1): Matt Freese; Timothy Weah, Chris Richards, Auston Trusty, Antonee Robinson; Tanner Tessmann, Johnny Cardoso; Brenden Aaronson, Christian Pulisic, Giovanni Reyna; Ricardo Pepi.
Portugal (possible 4-2-3-1): Rui Silva; João Cancelo, Gonçalo Inácio, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes; Rúben Neves, Vitinha; Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes, João Félix; Gonçalo Ramos.
These are projected XIs based on recent form and squad calls; Pochettino may rotate to evaluate depth.
Head-to-Head History
The teams have met seven times historically, with the record tightly balanced (USA 2 wins, 3 draws, Portugal 2 wins). Memorable clashes include the USA’s 3-2 upset over Portugal in the 2002 World Cup and a 2-2 thriller in 2014. The most recent friendly in 2017 ended 1-1, underscoring how competitive these fixtures remain.
In summary, this USA vs Portugal friendly promises excitement, tactical intrigue, and a glimpse into both nations’ 2026 World Cup ambitions. With stars like Pulisic and Fernandes on display in Atlanta’s iconic venue, it’s a must-watch for soccer fans. Tune in at 7 p.m. ET on Universo or stream on Peacock (en Español) to catch every moment. Whether you’re rooting for the USMNT’s rise or Portugal’s European polish, expect a thrilling night of international soccer that could shape both squads’ momentum heading into the summer. Don’t miss it mark your calendars and get ready for a classic friendly that feels anything but ordinary.