The United States Men’s National Team’s tune-up in Atlanta ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup wrapped with a whimper as it fell 2-0 to Portugal on Tuesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
What started as a very even matchup turned one-sided as the USMNT failed to capitalize on multiple excellent opportunities. As the Spanish saying goes, the one who doesn’t score the goals watches them get scored.
After Saturday’s heavy defeat at the hands of Belgium, head coach Mauricio Pochettino made significant changes to his starting XI. Matt Freese took over between the posts behind a front four of Auston Trusty, Alex Freeman, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson. The midfield trio of choice featured Sebastian Berhalter, Aidan Morris and Weston McKennie. Finally, Tim Weah, Christian Pulisic and Malik Tillman formed the attacking trident.
Intense pressure from both sides was the story of the first half. The Stars and Stripes pressed especially high, forcing a few turnovers in great spots, but not taking advantage. The home side produced eight shots in the first half compared to Portugal’s three, but just couldn’t manage to be clinical enough in front of goal.
The champions of Europe punished the USMNT’s lack of end product by forcing a turnover in midfield and hitting quick on the counterattack. Bruno Fernandes steered the ball into the box before backheeling it into the path of Francisco Trincão, who opened the scoring with a low shot that curled into the far post.
The Seleção das Quinas doubled its lead in the 59th minute after Fernandes’ corner kick delivery found João Félix wide open at the top of the box. The former Atlético Madrid forward fired a low shot that nestled into the bottom corner for 2-0.
Down two goals, the lack of clarity going forward only increased as an emboldened Portugal took control of the game and wreaked havoc on the USMNT’s depth. The Stars and Stripes were never able to recover the momentum it had in the opening stages of the match, and it ended the match on the wrong side of the 2-0 scoreline.
Quite simply, this team needs to be more clinical in front of goal. There are clearly very good ideas about how to build forward and enter the final third, but the players can’t seem to figure out how to put the ball in the back of the net. They get the final decisions all wrong, and the result is being shut out at home.
The USMNT has two final opportunities to build momentum before the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer. It will first host Senegal on May 31 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC, before taking on Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL, on June 6.