USMNT's Epic Journey to 2026 World Cup: Key Battles and Crucial Dates Revealed
The United States men's national soccer team's 2026 calendar is beginning to crystallize as the FIFA World Cup host country gears up for the global tournament.
Mauricio Pochettino's squad remains undefeated across their previous five contests, concluding 2025 with momentum following a commanding 5–1 victory over Uruguay. A tactical formation adjustment has yielded positive results, with the team displaying greater defensive stability and strategic sophistication against rivals. The USMNT demonstrated superiority on both ends of the field versus Uruguay despite implementing nine alterations to their starting lineup.
The Argentine coach has effectively cultivated optimism and self-assurance as they enter a World Cup campaign year. While they'll discover their group stage adversaries on Dec. 5, the USMNT faces a lengthy break of more than four months without competition due to the absence of a January training camp.
Below is the USMNT's upcoming fixture list as the World Cup approaches.
March 2026 Window
Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
March TBD | Portugal* | Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
March TBD | Belgium* | Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
*Unconfirmed
Two of the USMNT's four remaining exhibition matches will allegedly occur in March at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Portugal and Belgium are the rumored adversaries, per The Athletic. Both nations ranked within FIFA's top 10 secured World Cup qualification during the November international break. Bypassing the European playoff system allows them availability for this window, though official confirmation remains pending.
Both nations would present formidable challenges for the USMNT considering their established credentials. Portugal recently captured the UEFA Nations League title while Belgium consistently reaches World Cup knockout phases—except for their group stage departure in Qatar.
The Portugal exhibition, which has reportedly been "approved," would represent Cristiano Ronaldo's first appearance on American territory since 2014.
March constitutes the final preparation period for the USMNT before Pochettino announces his World Cup squad.
Pre-World Cup Window (May-June)
Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
May TBD | TBD* | Charlotte TBD* |
June TBD | Germany* | Chicago TBD* |
*Unconfirmed
Two additional exhibitions are being organized immediately preceding the competition. The USMNT seeks a Charlotte fixture with their opposition to be determined following the group stage draw, according to The Athletic.
The second match is purportedly scheduled for early June against Germany, provided the 2014 World Cup champions don't land in their group. However, this scenario appears improbable since both teams should occupy Pot 1.
Where Will the USMNT Compete During the World Cup?
Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
June 12, 2026 | TBD | SoFi Stadium |
June 19, 2026 | TBD | Lumen Field |
June 25, 2026 | TBD | SoFi Stadium |
The USMNT will establish their base in southern California for group stage action. Their tournament debut and final group match are scheduled at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, beginning June 12.
Christian Pulisic and teammates will journey to Seattle for a Lumen Field encounter between those two fixtures. Should the USMNT capture their group, they would remain on the West Coast for a Levi's Stadium match in Santa Clara, California.
A runner-up finish would send them to Arlington, Texas, for an AT&T Stadium showdown. Third-place advancement would depend on their point tally and other group outcomes. The eight strongest third-place finishers progress to knockout rounds.
A fourth-place result would mean tournament elimination.