USMNT 1-2 Germany summary: score, stats and highlights | International friendly World Cup 2026
Mauricio Pochettino’s team close out their World Cup preparations with a defeat at Soldier Field, despite a stunning goal from Antonee Robinson.
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USMNT - Germany: As it happened
The United States put in a solid showing in the final outing before the World Cup. Plenty of positives to take from Mauricio Pochettino, and a couple of negatives points...
Antonee Robinson screamer brightens US loss
Not the result that Mauricio Pochettino would have hoped for today but there were plenty of positives to be taken from a 2-1 loss to Germany. The United States had 16 shots to Germany's 12 and could easily have drawn had things gone their way.
The best moment of the game - by a distance - was this goal form Antonee Robinson, a stunning volley that flew into the roof of the net. Robinson was taken off as a fitness precaution in the second half but it did not look serious.
Tyler Adams speaks after Germany loss
The USMNT midfielder is taking the positives from the performance today, saying that he “feels good” about the team ahead of the World Cup opener against Paraguay.
“Ultimately we saw what we wanted to see in this game,” Adams said.
“To concede that early is difficult, but the character we showed, the resilience... Guys were playing like it was a World Cup final out there.”
USMNT end preparations with narrow loss
The United States close out their World Cup preparations. A stunning strike from Antonee Robinson brought the US back into the game but they fall to a strong Germany team.
Full time: USMNT fall to Germany
A positive showing from the United States, despite losing to the European heavyweights.
Not a perfect performance but plenty of good points for Mauricio Pochettino ahead of the World Cup opener next weekend.
Brilliant first touch from Gio Reyna to hold off Goretzka and turn on goal. The Germany midfielder brings him down to stop the attack.
Brenden Aaronson tries to run at the Germany backline but he takes a heavy touch and the ball dribbles out for a goal kick.
Things on the field calm down but that's got the Chicago crowd on their feet again, willing their team on for one last push.
Scally advances down the right and wins a throw-in off Schlotterbeck.
Tempers flare as Tim Weah puts in a very heavy tackle on David Raum near the sidelines.
It was a clean tackle but Weah had just been booked and the German players don't appreciate the challenge.
We will have six minutes of added time at the end of the second half.
The intensity has dropped for the US in the second half. That will be a frustration for Pochettino.
None of the second-half substitutes have done much to suggest that they are deserving of a starting place for the Paraguay game.
The corner kick from Berhalter is a good one but it's headed clear by Germany.
Things open up for Brenden Aaronson in the middle and the Leeds man lets fly.
It's pushed wide by Baumann, another US corner kick.
The United States have struggled to get Ricardo Pepi into the game since his entrance.
Pepi linked up with Pulisic brilliantly against Senegal last weekend but he's had no service today.
Germany come forward on the right and Nadiem Amiri finds himself in space, 20 yards from goal. He tries to call one past Freese but his effort goes just wide.
Joe Scally makes some time for a shot on the edge of the box and forces a good save from Baumann in the German goal.
Berhalter sweeps the ball out to Arfsten on the left but the Columbus man's cross leaves a lot to be desired.
Into the final ten minutes of normal time now. It's been a solid performance from the United States, a late equalizer would really make this a victorious send-off for Pochettino's side.
Good hands from Matt Freese to claim a tricky bouncing cross from the left.
Raum clips in another cross from the left but Undav can't get his header on target.
Interestingly, USMNT have stuck with the hybrid 3-4-3 system used in Charlotte last weekend.
It looks like this will be Pochettino's chosen formation for the World Cup.
USMNT push for an equalizer now.
Arfsten and Reyna combine well in the Germany box but Reyna's shot is easily saved.
Sharp counter-attack from Germany with Musiala sliding in a dangerous ball to Jamie Leweling. He tries to square it but Freese gets down well to intercept.
More US changes, this time it's...
OFF: Balogun, Tillman, Ream, Dest, Freeman, Adams
ON: Aaronson, Arfsten, Roldan, Scally, Pepi, Weah
Here's what we know so far about that injury to Jedi...
Hydration break, Pt. 2
Another mid-game break. The pace of the game has definitely dipped in the second half but there have been moments of quality from the United States.
The fitness of Antonee Robinson will be a concern but he has remained on the bench after being taken off. That's a good sign for the US.
David Raum (Germany)
The full-back is booked for a late challenge on Malik Tillman.
The US gets a nice spell of possession, pushing Germany back and moving the ball from side to side.
Adams is dropping deepest and looking to progress the ball forward. Reyna flitting about, searching for space in-between the lines.
There's been a bit of a reshape for the US after those four changes.
Freeman has advanced to right wing-back, with Dest moving to the left. It's Ream, McKenzie and Trusty in the back three.
Berhalter replaces McKennie, Reyna takes up a more central role as a No. 10.
An injury for Antonee Robinson?
A note on those US substitutions:
It did not look like Antonee Robinson was coming off initially. The Fulham man gestured over to the bench, asking to be subbed. He seemed to point to his hamstring as he trudged off.
More on that as we get it...
Now the US substitutions...
It's McKenzie, Reyna, Trusty and Behalter coming on
Miles Robinson, Antonee Robinson, Pulisic and McKennie.
First the Germany subs:
It's Havertz, Kimmich, Brown coming off.
Replaced by Undav, Woltemade and Raum.
As we hit the hourmark both sides are preparing some changes. Subs are on their way.
Germany ahead in Chicago
That Germany goal shows the importance of Kai Havertz. The Arsenal forward did brilliantly to bring a fizzed pass under control and lay the ball off to Sane.
Sane's effort was not powerful but a deflected took it past Freese and into the bottom corner.
GOOOOAAAL! Leroy Sane
The visitors retake the lead through Leroy Sane, notching his 17th international goal for Germany.
A long pass forward from Adams looking for Pulisic running in behind. It's well-struck but Pulisic has a lot to do to control it and the ball bounces away from him.
Some neat touches from Kai Havertz, holding the ball up and bringing his teammates into play.
Nmecha drives forwards with the ball but McKennie flies into a tackle and wins it cleanly.
Huge appeals for a free kick on Pulisic as the US star is felled on the edge of the Germany box.
On first viewing it looked like a clear foul but the officials say other wise. Play on...
Kai Havertz and Felix Nmecha combine well for Germany and the latter lets fly from the edge of the box.
Good stop from Matt Freese to make the save.
Huge chance for the US!
Balogun brings it forward and works the ball to Pulisic, who sees his close-range effort saved by Oliver Bauman.
Tillman has the follow-up but misses the target.
No changes at the break for either team.
Speaking at half time Pochettino did say that he planned to make “as many changes as we can” during the second half.
Germany are on the attack, forcing a corner kick to start the second half.
Kimmich takes it from the right but Tillman heads clear and Sane blasts the loose ball over the crossbar.
And we're back!
The second half is underway...
Pochettino taking the posititves
"Overall I think it was a good game, very competitive... Playing against one of the best teams in the world."
"We conceded in the first action, it's always difficult after that."
How good was that Antonee Robinson goal?
You could watch all 104 games at this summer's World Cup; you might not see a better goal than this one from Antonee Robinson.
Did ‘Jedi’ use the force? It certainly looked like it.
How good was that from the US?
For perhaps the first time under Mauricio Pochettino, the United States have dominated against top-level opponents.
The US conceded early in a disappointing way - losing Kai Havertz on a set piece. But they fought back and had the better of the chances across the opening 45 minutes.
Peep peeeep peeeeeeep
A brilliant first half for the United States comes to an end.
The early Germany goal was disappointing but the US played well from then on and leveled through a brilliant goal from Antonee Robinson.
This time the corner kick is cleared by Germany and that might be it for the first half.
Corner kick is taken shot and worked brilliantly to Pulisic on the edge of the box. Pulisic shoots but it's blocked again.
Another corner kick...
Another driving run from Pulisic to bring the team up-field.
Another shot deflected wide. Another USMNT corner kick...
We're going to have three minutes of stoppage time at the end of a thrilling half.
The US come forward again. Christian Pulisic finds space for a shot but his effort is deflected agonizingly wide of the goal.
The resultant corner is whipped in by Tillman but comes to nothing. Nearly at the half now.
Watch: Robinson screamer levels the game
Here's the US leveler, one to remember for Antonee Robinson.
It's end-to-end stuff as US come back on the attack, working the ball through to Dest.
He dances through the Germany midfield and makes it into the box but can't quite make space for a shot. The chances comes to nothing but it's another sign of Dest's quality on the ball.
Havertz makes a clever run in behind the US backline and tries to make space for a shot. US get players back to force him wide and the offside flag is up.
Despite the early goal this had been a good first-half performance from the US.
The US come forward again and find Balogun in space on the left. He fires a loss ball across the face of goal but there's no one in the middle to finish.
Real confidence in this US team now.
GOOOOOAAAL! Antonee Robinson
What a goal!!! The corner kick is cleared to the edge of the box and Antonee Robinson catches the pass with a perfect volley, smashed into the top corner.
He celebrates with a flip! The crowd goes wild.
Brilliant play from Pulisic, dropping into midfield to collect a pass and turning and running the ball up field. US win a corner kick.
Malik Tillman swings in the corner kick but it's overhit. Freeman does well to nod the ball back into the danger zone but Germany clear.
USMNT work the ball out to Dest on the right flank. Germany double up on the wideman but he still manages to win a corner for his team.
The corner is taken short but then ballooned over the crossbar by Wirtz.
Musiala picks up the ball and drives at the US backline, making it all the way to the edge of the box. He is dispossessed but still wins a corner.
Kimmich does well to win back the ball for Germany and progress the ball up-field. The Germany captain has a key role to play this summer.
And we're back to the action in Chicago. Germany win a free kick after Musiala is felled on the halfway line.
AS USA was in Charlotte last weekend when Pochettino debuted his new plan for hydration breaks, bringing over a laptop to deliver instructions. Here's what it means for the World Cup games...
Hydration break!
An exciting start in Chicago, the US fought back after that early goal.
With a three-minute pause in play Pochettino is straight over to the laptop to deliver a quick message to his players. The whole squad are gathered round as Poch delivers instructions.
After conceding an early goal, and nearly a second, the United States have really grown into the game in the last ten minutes.
The intensity is there and they are finding space down the flanks, particularly with Balogun's runs into the channels.
That early goal aside, Pochettino will be fairly happy with the opening 20 minutes.
Brilliant play from Dest on the left, winning the ball high and sliding it through to Tillman. The PSV man clips a cross to the back post but Pulisic can't quite connect.
The corner kick is taken short and the US look to build the play.
Germany are pinned back within 35 yards of their own goal. Pulisic looks to force a pass through to Balogun but it's blocked.
Another opening for the US and it's Balogun again, running into space down the left flank. he tries to fire at goal but his effort is deflected wide.
Watch: Kai Havertz puts Germany ahead
Here's a look at the Germany opener. A really disappointing goal to concede for the USMNT.
The USMNT break on the left and Balogun whips a low pass across the face of goal, looking for Dest at the back post. The PSV man can't quite reach it and the chance goes beggin.
Much better for the US.
Germany get forward against with Havertz on the left. The Arsenal man fires a low cross along the six-yard box but there's no one there to finish.
Long ball forward from Pulisic finds Dest running in behind the Germany backline. He can't quite latch onto the pass and fouls Brown in the process.
More positive from the US.
Germany goal - Disallowed
Germnay think they have a second as Sane runs in behind Antonee Robinson and squad for Kai Havertz to finish.
Fortunately for the US, Sane had strayed offside and the goal is ruled out.
A shaky start for the hosts.
Physical start to the game with a number of clashes in the midfield.
Germany regain possession and try to slide a pass through to Havertz but Tim Ream is there to block.
USMNT have a different challenge now, needing to force the play a little more against a top German team.
Can Pochettino's team cause problems for the visitors without leaving themselves open at the back?
GOOOOAL! Kai Havertz
Nightmare start for the United States, Germany are ahead.
Early free kick for Germany after Tyler Adams is penalized on the edge of the US box.
Roughly 35 yards from goal, right of center.
We're off
Germany get things underway at Soldier Field, here we go!
National anthems now
We're nearly ready for kick-off now. The stands are packed, the teams are out and the United States are about to take the final step in the long journey to the 2026 World Cup.
Don't miss the action!
Atmosphere builds in Chicago
We've got just over eight minutes before kick-off at Soldier Field for the final warm-up game for the United States. Will it be a day to remember for everyone in attendance today?
Like many national teams, the USMNT features a number of dual-nationality players. These players all chose to represent the United States despite having other options, here's a look at their backgrounds...
Is this the US starting XI vs Paraguay?
Much has been made of Pochettino's willingness to make changes, with more than 70 players used during less than two years in charge.
He's given plenty of opportunities and tried many different options. Now, is this the starting XI that will take on Paraguay in the World Cup opener next week?
A key member of that legendary 1994 World Cup team, Marcelo Balboa, sat down with AS USA to talk about the team's preparations for that tournament.
Here's what Marcelo had to say about the “traveling circus” that changed soccer...
USMNT legends reunite in Chicago
The iconic 1994 USMNT team made history at the 1994 World Cup, sparking a new era of soccer in the United States. Now, 32 years on, the current squad has the chance to have a similar impact on the growth of the game.
Today's team should give fans some insight into the Mauricio Pochettino's intentions for this summer. Another potential hint at his plans comes from the squad numbers, which could indicate a pecking order within the squad.
USMNT take to the field in Chicago
The players are out at Soldier Field, preparing for the high-profile friendly against Germany. Little over half an hour to go until kick-off. Can the US build some real momentum ahead of a home World Cup?
With only four dedicated central midfielders, Mauricio Pochettino needs to avoid injuries. / OMAR VEGA / Getty Images via AFP
What is Mauricio Pochettino's midfield plan?
When Pochettino named his World Cup squad last month, several omissions made headlines. In particular, the lack of depth in the central areas raised eyebrows.
Only Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter and Cristian Roldan are natural central midfielders. The decision to leave Tanner Tessman and Aidan Morris at home has been criticized but Pochettino beleived that he has options from other players.
“We think that the capacity of Malik [Tillman] or Weston [McKennie] going a bit deeper – we have better possibilities in our buildup and better control to play much better, to claim the ball easier, to move the ball more quickly and to have this capacity to put the ball in the final third in a better condition,” Pochettino said.
“We need to be strong in our defensive side but we also need players in front of our center-backs that have the possibility to play and feel comfortable.”
The United States now have several high-profile stars, with players in the top leagues in England, Spain, Germany and Italy. Which of those players is the biggest earner?
USMNT in the house
The United States arrive at Soldier Field, Chicago for today's game. The team is sporty this eye-catching pre-game ensemble, a Nike outfit inspired by the work of the late designer Virgil Abloh.
Mauricio Pochettino has some work to do to get to the top of the USMNT winning percentage. But as the all-time US leader can attest, most successful does not necessarily mean most popular...
United States' goalkeeper Matt Freese has been favored by Pochettino. / TIM VIZER / AFP
Matt Freese gets the nod in goal
The other big news from the USMNT starting XI is in goal, where Matt Freese has been favored to Matt Turner. In the previous friendly against Senegal, Turner and understudy Chhris Brady were each given 45 minutes.
With Freese in goal for the final warm-up game, the NYCFC keeper looks set to start for the US at the World Cup.
Malik Tillman starts, Ricardo Pepi benched
No major surprises for USMNT but it looks like Folarin Balogun has won the battle to start up front, Ricardo Pepi is on the bench.
Malik Tillman also starts, with Sebastian Berhalter dropping to the bench. It could be a McKennie-Adams duo in midfield.
USMNT starting XI to face Germany
Here's how Mauricio Pochettino lines up in Chicago...
Could the US play Germany in the World Cup?
“Tomorrow we’re playing a team we could easily face in a World Cup final. If we’re talking about the three to five strongest teams in the world, Germany is definitely one of them. It’s like anticipating a World Cup final."
"It’s a great chance to test ourselves and find our best version just days before the World Cup begins, and the most important thing, to finish with everyone healthy.”
USMNT at Solder Field
The final USMNT warm-up game will be played at Soldier Field, Chicago, one of the most iconic sports stadiums in the country. The 61,500-capacity stadium is the home of the Chicago Bears and Chicago Fire of MLS.
There will be big changes at the World Cup this summer with some subtle rule tweaks for the tournament. The addition of ‘hydration breaks’ into every game will change the dynamics of the matches and US head coach Pochettino is not a fan.
USMNT will have to prepare without Chris Richards in the team against Germany. / OMAR VEGA / Getty Images via AFP
Chris Richards out due to injury
The only fitness concern for Pochettino ahead of the tournament is the injury to Chris Richards, the Crystal Palace defender. Richards would be a guaranteed starter for the USMNT but is still working his way back from a left ankle injury and has been ruled out against Germany.
“Chris Richards is on the right path to coming back and being completely with the squad,” US teammate Weston McKennie said of Richards. “I think everyone trusts his body and what he feels and the coaching staff as well."
"He’s an important piece of the group, (with) his energy, his leadership on and off the field. And so obviously we’re just all behind him and can’t wait to have him back and out with the group.”
Christian Pulisic, finding his form?
After a long run without finding the back of the net - either for USMNT for AC Milan - Christian Pulisic put in a show-stopping performance against Senegal. A goal and an assists in just 45 minutes suggests that the talisman can have a real impact this summer.
First up, the US team. Pochettino is expected to go with a strong team for thew final pre-tournament friendly. Today's team should be a big indication of his starting XI to face Paraguay...
Hello and welcome to the AS USA live blog for the United States' final World Cup warm-up game against Germany.
Mauricio Pochettino has just one week until his team kicks off at the 2026 World Cup, a momentous event in the history of US soccer.
The stakes are high and the eyes of the world will be on USMNT this summer. After a tough run in the March friendlies the US has managed to build some momentum with a 3-2 win against Senegal last week. Can they continue that form against a strong Germany team?
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