The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) has announced a series of high-profile friendly matches in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. These matches include clashes against Belgium, Portugal, and Germany.

The friendlies against Belgium and Portugal are scheduled during the March FIFA window and will both be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28 and 31, respectively. The game against Germany will be in Chicago on June 6. An additional friendly is scheduled for May 31 in Charlotte, North Carolina, against an opponent to be determined after the World Cup draw.

Facing Belgium and Portugal offers a chance for the USMNT to test their mettle against top-10 FIFA-ranked teams. Both Belgium and Portugal have been formidable opponents in past World Cups. The USMNT faced Portugal in the 2014 World Cup group stage in Manaus, where a late goal from Silvestre Varela resulted in a 2-2 draw after Clint Dempsey had given the U.S. a 2-1 lead. Belgium eliminated the United States in the round of 16 at the same World Cup, with Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku scoring in extra time, overshadowing a remarkable 16-save performance by U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard.

These matches will be the last opportunity for players to impress head coach Mauricio Pochettino and his staff before the final World Cup roster is announced. The choice of Atlanta as the venue for the Belgium and Portugal matches is significant, as U.S. Soccer recently moved its headquarters to the city and is constructing a new national training center in the Atlanta suburbs.