USMNT Prepares for Historic Match That Could Shape 2026 World Cup Dreams

The United States men's national soccer team is expected to face Portugal in an international exhibition match this March, marking the end of Cristiano Ronaldo's 12-year hiatus from competing on American territory.

Uncertainty had clouded the Stars and Stripes' fixture list as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer. After the November international period, Mauricio Pochettino's squad lacked a confirmed next adversary ... until this development.

The Athletic reports that the USMNT and Portugal have "agreed" to contest a friendly at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta during the March international window.

This fixture, which has been developing behind closed doors since September, can now proceed during the year's first international break following Portugal's direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup, eliminating a playoff scenario that would have prevented their North American journey.

This eagerly awaited encounter will see five-time Ballon d'Or recipient and Portugal leader Ronaldo return to American soil for the first time since August 2, 2014. The 40-year-old superstar last appeared in the U.S. during Real Madrid's preseason clash with Manchester United.

Though not an official competition match, that game drew a record-setting attendance of 109,318 spectators at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. With current stars including Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes and Paris Saint-Germain's Vitinha, João Neves and Nuno Mendes joining Ronaldo, the forthcoming match promises to be equally spectacular.

USMNT Must Step Up Against Ronaldo and Portugal

There may be no superior challenge for the USMNT before the 2026 World Cup than confronting Portugal. Roberto Martínez's squad holds the UEFA Nations League title and has suffered only two defeats in their previous 18 encounters, dating back to June 2024.

While the Stars and Stripes have battled strong Concacaf rivals this year, along with elite CONMEBOL nations, meeting Portugal will serve as an excellent gauge of the opposition awaiting the USMNT should they advance deep in next summer's competition.

Achieving a strong performance on home turf will likely require Pochettino to elevate his team to the standard necessary to compete with Europe's elite. What better preparation than a practice run against a squad captained by one of football's greatest legends?

The spotlight will focus on Pochettino and captain Christian Pulisic to deliver a strong showing against Portugal, providing the USMNT with essential confidence just three months before the World Cup begins.