USMNT Takes on Portugal: Bold Predictions, Key Matchups, and Expected Lineups Revealed

Tuesday night. The final audition is here. With U.S. men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino set to announce his roster for the 2026 World Cup in May, players will have one last shot to make their case as the USMNT faces Portugal in Atlanta.

After suffering a 5–2 defeat to No. 9-ranked Belgium to open the March international window, the Stars and Stripes will be seeking a far better outcome when they square off against the Portuguese, who currently sit fifth in the FIFA World Rankings.

Portugal arrives at this fixture following a disappointing goalless stalemate against Mexico, which served as the inaugural match at the newly-renovated Estadio Azteca in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup.

With just 73 days remaining before the USMNT kick off their World Cup campaign against Paraguay on June 12, the squad will also be competing for the first time with full knowledge of their group stage opponents, as Kosovo and Türkiye battle for the final Group D berth earlier that day, joining the U.S., Australia, and Paraguay.

While friendly results carry limited weight, building confidence against one of the world's elite teams will be vital as Pochettino's side looks to restore faith among the nation's soccer faithful.

USMNT vs. Portugal Score Prediction

USMNT Bounce Back With a Draw

Brought back down to earth by the Belgium defeat, the USMNT will have used the past several days for reflection and intensive training, addressing the shortcomings that cost them in that loss. They will step back onto the field in front of the Atlanta faithful with something to prove.

Pochettino reverted the side to his favored 4-2-3-1 formation; however, expect the team to shift back to a three-man backline and five-man defensive shape when out of possession, as that setup delivered an impressive five-game unbeaten run for the USMNT last fall.

The last time the USMNT conceded heavily to a top-tier nation was in 2024, when they fell 5–1 to Colombia. They responded by holding Brazil to a 1–1 draw — a reaction they'll be hoping to mirror against Portugal.

Prediction: USMNT 2–2 Portugal

USMNT Predicted Lineup vs. Portugal

Following the struggles with the 4-2-3-1, expect changes not just in personnel but also in formation. From the outset, Pochettino may turn to the 3-5-2, or possibly a 3-5-1-1. 

Within that shape, some fresh faces could also feature. Matt Freese is likely to get the start, with Pochettino reserving his preferred goalkeeper for the tougher test of the window, even after Turner put in a solid shift against Belgium. 

In the three-man defense, Alex Freeman could fill an unconventional right center-back role, contributing more in transition and complementing defensive pillars Mark McKenzie and Chris Richards — the latter returning to availability for the first time this window after picking up a knee injury earlier in the month. Richards may come in for Tim Ream, who had a difficult outing for Charlotte FC on Saturday.

In the wingback positions, Antonee Robinson and Tim Weah both impressed against Belgium and will have further chances to influence proceedings as midfield outlets. With Johnny Cardoso heading back to Madrid nursing a leg injury, Pochettino may lean more on Tanner Tessmann to provide defensive cover in the middle of the park.

Up front, Folarin Balogun has all but locked down the starting striker spot on the back of his strong form at Monaco, but could line up just ahead of Gio Reyna, who needs a standout performance in what may be his final chance to secure a spot in the summer squad. 

While this may be the starting eleven, expect heavy rotation as Pochettino takes one last look at his options before trimming the group down to 26 for the World Cup.  

USMNT predicted lineup vs. Portugal (3-5-2): Freese; Freeman, Richards, McKenzie; Weah, McKennie, Tessmann, Pulisic, Robinson; Reyna, Balogun

Portugal Predicted Lineup vs. USMNT

Portugal was well-organized defensively against Mexico but lacked the creativity to find a breakthrough. Under the guidance of Roberto Martínez, the side looks to dominate opponents through structured buildup play while minimizing exposure in midfield. 

With first-choice goalkeeper Diogo Costa unavailable, Portugal may turn to José Sá in goal, giving him a chance to stake his claim for the backup spot after Rui Silva started against Mexico. At center back, Gonçalo Inácio could slot into the lineup alongside Renato Veiga, while Nuno Mendes and Diogo Dalot fill the fullback positions. 

The midfield could pose serious problems for the USMNT, with Bruno Fernandes and Rúben Neves operating as attacking midfielders flanking Vitinha in the center. In the front three, the combination of Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição is expected to be equally dangerous. 

Without Cristiano Ronaldo leading the attack, Paulinho could be handed a starting opportunity after making an impression as a second-half substitute against Mexico.

Portugal predicted lineup vs. USMNT (4-2-3-1): Sà; Dalot, Veiga, Inàcio, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes; Neto, Paulinho, Conceição

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