USMNT vs Germany live online: stats, score, goals & updates | International friendly World Cup 2026 warm up
Mauricio Pochettino’s team close out their World Cup preparations with a friendly at Soldier Field, Chicago on Saturday.
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USMNT - Germany: live updates
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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