Atlanta is set to host a highly anticipated match between the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) and Portugal, featuring global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo. Sources indicate that advanced talks are underway to finalize the exhibition game, potentially scheduled for March 2026.
The match could serve as crucial preparation for the USMNT ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. As co-hosts, the USMNT automatically qualifies for the tournament, making these friendly matches even more important for team development and strategic planning. Coach Mauricio Pochettino reportedly wants his team to face diverse international competition to prepare for the challenges of the World Cup.
For Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently extended his goal-scoring record, this match presents another opportunity to compete on American soil. The 40-year-old continues to be a key figure for Portugal, demonstrating his enduring motivation and skill. He recently scored twice against Armenia in World Cup qualifying and led his team to victory in the UEFA Nations League. This possible game in Atlanta would mark Ronaldo's return to the U.S. since 2014, when he played for Real Madrid in a friendly against Manchester United at Michigan Stadium and for Portugal against Ireland at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, also known as "The Benz," is the likely venue for the match. This 71,000-seat stadium is home to the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United of Major League Soccer. The stadium, owned by Arthur Blank's company, has a proven track record of hosting major soccer events. It will also host eight matches at the 2026 World Cup. Atlanta has demonstrated strong support for the home side, with the U.S. women's national team drawing over 50,000 fans to the stadium last year, setting a new record for a USWNT friendly. The USMNT played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in a 2-1 loss to Panama during the 2024 Copa América, with nearly 60,000 spectators in attendance.
The timing of the Portugal match may coincide with the opening of U.S. Soccer's new $200 million-plus training facility in Fayetteville, near Atlanta. This state-of-the-art complex is scheduled to open this spring and will serve as the USMNT's training base in May and early June before they depart for their World Cup base camp in Southern California.
Portugal, currently ranked No. 6 by FIFA, won the UEFA Nations League title this summer. However, they have not won their last four games against the United States. This includes a notable 3-2 loss in the 2002 World Cup and a 1-1 draw at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where Ronaldo assisted on a stoppage-time equalizer.
The potential match is conditional upon Portugal qualifying for the 2026 World Cup without needing a playoff. Belgium, another team the USMNT hopes to face that month, also faces the same requirement.
