USMNT struggles in March friendlies against elite teams

Despite creating chances, the US men's national team failed to capitalize in losses to Belgium and Portugal.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:25pm

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The United States men's national team had a difficult March international window, dropping matches against Belgium (5-2) and Portugal (2-0) in Atlanta. While the USMNT created numerous scoring opportunities in both games, they were unable to convert, ultimately leading to the losses against two teams viewed as potential 2026 World Cup favorites.

Why it matters

With the World Cup just 72 days away, the March friendlies provided a crucial test for the USMNT against elite international competition. The inability to capitalize on chances is a concern, but the team also showed flashes of brilliance that suggest they can compete with the world's best when they find their clinical edge.

The details

In the 5-2 loss to Belgium, typically reliable forwards like Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun were unable to find the back of the net, while midfielder Weston McKennie was denied what would have been the game's best chance in the 17th minute. Even after McKennie opened the scoring in the 39th minute, head coach Mauricio Pochettino remained expressionless, stating the team should have been up 3-0 at that point. Against Portugal, the USMNT went toe-to-toe with the reigning UEFA Nations League champions in the opening half hour, creating multiple clear-cut chances, but again failed to capitalize, allowing Portugal's formidable attack to wear down the US defense.

  • The March international window took place in late March 2026.
  • The USMNT will face Paraguay in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener in just 72 days.

The players

Mauricio Pochettino

Head coach of the United States men's national team.

Christian Pulisic

Forward for the United States men's national team.

Folarin Balogun

Forward for the United States men's national team.

Weston McKennie

Midfielder for the United States men's national team.

Matt Freese

Goalkeeper for New York City FC and the United States men's national team.

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What they’re saying

“...because when we scored, we should be the third goal, not the first goal.”

— Mauricio Pochettino, Head coach, United States men's national team

“We lacked the clinical edge that Portugal possessed. We didn't capitalize on the chances we created or the collective attacking situations.”

— Mauricio Pochettino, Head coach, United States men's national team

“A few minor things were the difference today. As soon as those switch, it's a whole different ballgame.”

— Matt Freese, Goalkeeper, New York City FC and United States men's national team

What’s next

With the World Cup just 72 days away, the USMNT will need to quickly address their finishing issues and find their clinical edge if they hope to compete with the world's elite teams in the tournament.

The takeaway

While the March international window results were disappointing, the USMNT showed they can compete with top teams when they are able to capitalize on their scoring chances. As the World Cup approaches, the team will need to find that clinical finishing touch to maximize their potential and make a deep run in the tournament.