USMNT shutout by Portugal ahead of World Cup roster announcement

The U.S. men's national team fell 2-0 to Portugal in an international friendly in Atlanta.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:19am

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The U.S. men's national team were shutout 2-0 by Portugal in an international friendly at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Tuesday, March 31. Mauricio Pochettino's final lineup selection before naming his roster for the World Cup was a head-scratching one, as he decided to go without a true striker, opting for Christian Pulisic in a False 9-type of role. Portugal capitalized on a midfield turnover in the 37th minute, with Vitinha playing creator and Bruno Fernandes scoring the opening goal. João Félix extended Portugal's lead 15 minutes into the second half, and the visitors were able to see out the rest of the match.

Why it matters

This match was the USMNT's final tune-up before Pochettino announces his World Cup roster, and the shutout loss raises questions about the team's attacking identity and Pulisic's role within the squad. The performance also highlighted the need for the U.S. to solidify its backline and midfield ahead of the World Cup.

The details

After a mainly even first half, Portugal capitalized on a midfield turnover and hit the U.S. on the counter in the 37th minute. Vitinha played creator with a throughball that split the American backline and put Bruno Fernandes on goal, his backheel to Francisco Trincão led to a clinical finish for the opening goal. After the break, the visitors took over the match and exuded their quality. João Félix extended their lead 15 minutes into the second half after being given arces of space at the top of the box off a corner kick to volley in a rocket off the post.

  • The match took place on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
  • This was the USMNT's final friendly before Pochettino announces his World Cup roster.

The players

Matt Freese

The USMNT goalkeeper who made the saves he should have and added one spectacular one at the end of the match.

Alex Freeman

The USMNT right back who continues to impress both defensively and in attacking sequences, keeping Nuno Mendes quiet.

Chris Richards

One of the most important players on the USMNT, his inclusion added much-needed stability to the backline.

Auston Trusty

The USMNT center back who has put in some respectable showings and could potentially earn a starting role.

Antonee Robinson

The USMNT left back who was unable to get involved as much as he did against Belgium, likely by design to limit exposure on the wings.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to work on our attacking identity and solidify the backline before the World Cup.”

— Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT Head Coach

What’s next

Pochettino will announce the USMNT's final 23-man World Cup roster on April 15, 2026.

The takeaway

This match highlighted the continued challenges facing the USMNT as they prepare for the World Cup, with questions around Christian Pulisic's role, the team's attacking identity, and the need to shore up the backline and midfield. Pochettino has his work cut out for him in the coming weeks to get the squad ready for the tournament.