Cristiano Ronaldo Set for Epic Showdown with USMNT in 2026
The United States men's national soccer team is reportedly set to welcome Portugal for an international friendly match next year, which would mark the end of Cristiano Ronaldo's almost 12-year hiatus from competing on American territory.
When Ronaldo last appeared in a soccer game within the United States, the five-time Ballon d'Or recipient contributed to Real Madrid and Manchester United establishing an attendance milestone. Over 109,300 spectators gathered at Michigan Stadium to witness these two European powerhouses face off in a club exhibition match in August 2014.
This encounter, which attracted the biggest audience for any soccer contest in the U.S., marked Ronaldo's final appearance playing in the United States. However, the Real Madrid icon may now be poised for a spectacular comeback.
The Athletic reports that the USMNT is engaged in "advanced discussions" with Portugal regarding an international exhibition match scheduled for March 2026. The Stars and Stripes are considering an NFL venue on the eastern seaboard as the location for this prospective encounter.
The USMNT is additionally seeking to battle Belgium within the same international period as part of their preparation strategy for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mauricio Pochettino allegedly desires his team to encounter squads from various confederations to "evaluate his players" before the crucial tournament.
A potential showdown with Portugal and Belgium would certainly represent a formidable challenge for a USMNT squad that has dropped six games in 2025 already. The Stars and Stripes recently endured a 2–0 loss to South Korea even with Christian Pulisic's comeback.
These planned exhibition matches can only take place, however, if both Portugal and Belgium secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup before year's end. Should either team need to compete in the European qualification playoffs, scheduled for March 2026, the USMNT will need to seek alternative opposition.
The Athletic additionally disclosed that Ronaldo and his teammates are expected to face Mexico at the Azteca Stadium during the same period, with this friendly dependent on identical conditions.