Internationals

USMNT 1-2 Germany: Winners and losers

There were plenty of positives from the friendly loss as Mauricio Pochettino end their World Cup preparations.

JAMIE SQUIRE

Journalist, AS USA

A journalist, soccer fanatic and Shrewsbury Town fan, Will’s love for the game has withstood countless playoff final losses. After graduating from the University of Liverpool he wrote for a number of British publications before joining AS USA in 2020. His work focuses on the Premier League, LaLiga, MLS, Liga MX and the global game.

Update: Jun 6th, 2026 18:30 EDT

Make us preferred on Google

The United States end their World Cup preparations with a narrow 2-1 loss to Germany. Mauricio Pochettino’s side put in a spirited performance against the four-time world champions, a dominated for spells and scoring a stunning goal through Antonee Robinson.

The USMNT now has six days to prepare for the World Cup opener against Paraguay on Friday, June 12. Here’s a look at the winners and losers from the team’s final pre-tournament outing...

Winner - Antonee Robinson

USMNT 1-2 Germany: Winners and losers — Antonee Robinson leveled the scores for USMNT.JAMIE SQUIRE

The Fulham man may have provided the most jaw-dropping moment of Pochettino’s time at the helm, scoring a stunning volley to level the scores against Germany. Robinson was taken off in the second half with an apparent hamstring injury but Pochettino was quick to say that it was just a case of cramp and he was withdrawn as a precaution.

Loser - Miles Robinson

Unfortunately, the FC Cincinnati defender finds himself in the losers list again. Lost Kai Havertz for the crucial opening goal, a lapse of concentration that could prove disastrous this summer. Was handed the chance to impress with a start against Germany but did little to strengthen his case.

Winner - Matt Freese

One of the key positions of uncertainty for Pochettino has been the goalkeeper, with Matt Turner returning to form with the New England Revolution to put pressure on incumbent Matt Freese. The latter looks to have won the Battle of the Matts by playing all 90 minutes against Germany, making some solid stops against top-level opposition.

Loser - Haji Wright

The only player, aside from the injured Chris Richards, who played zero minutes across both friendlies. Finds him self in a tough battle for the strikers’ position, competing against in-form players in Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun. Wright looks to be a distant third option for Pochettino this summer.

Winner - Mauricio Pochettino

Not in a literal sense, admittedly, but the US coach ends the two friendly games without picking up any new fitness concerns. No new injuries for Pochettino and a commendable showing against Germany is a solid end to the long pre-tournament preparations.