ATLANTA – Portugal heads into Tuesday’s international friendly against the United States at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with a concern surrounding midfielder João Neves. The Paris Saint-Germain player missed Monday’s training session, casting a slight shadow over Roberto Martínez’s preparations for the match, scheduled for 7:07 PM local time (00:07 Wednesday in Lisbon).
Neves, who has shown some physical limitations in recent weeks, including during the March international window, worked in the gym instead of joining the team on the pitch. This precautionary measure comes after he played the second half of Portugal’s scoreless draw with Mexico this past Saturday in Mexico City. While the extent of any issue remains unclear, his absence from training is notable ahead of the game against the Americans.
However, the news isn’t entirely negative for the Portuguese squad. Both Pedro Gonçalves and Gonçalo Guedes returned to training on Monday, providing a boost to Martínez’s options. The pair had been sidelined due to physical complaints, but their participation in the session suggests they are in contention to feature against the U.S.
The friendly in Atlanta is an important part of Portugal’s preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Portugal is drawn into Group K alongside Uzbekistan, Colombia, and a yet-to-be-determined opponent from a play-off between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Jamaica. This match offers a valuable opportunity to assess players and tactical approaches on American soil.
Martínez emphasized the importance of evaluating his players and experimenting with different strategies during the current international break. “We need to always monitor the game, which can change, and we need to adjust the team tactically to win,” Martínez said in a press conference. “The focus of the stage is not to win both games, it’s the player. The merit of the player to be able to wear the Portugal shirt.”
The coach highlighted the value of playing in different conditions, having already faced the altitude of Mexico City. “We trained at sea level, we played at altitude against a team like Mexico, a special environment, and now we are going to face a different team in a closed stadium,” he explained. He also indicated a willingness to provide playing time to as many players as possible, while acknowledging the need to avoid unnecessary risks.
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL) and Atlanta United of Major League Soccer (MLS), will provide a unique atmosphere for the match. The stadium’s multi-purpose design and passionate fanbase are expected to create a lively environment for both teams.
Portugal’s preparations are clearly focused not just on this friendly, but on building a squad capable of making a deep run in the 2026 World Cup. Martínez’s emphasis on player evaluation and tactical flexibility suggests he is taking a long-term approach to building a competitive team. The match against the United States represents a crucial step in that process, offering a chance to test different combinations and assess the team’s readiness for the challenges ahead.
The return of Gonçalves and Guedes provides Martínez with more options in attack, potentially adding creativity and goal-scoring threat to the team. However, the uncertainty surrounding Neves’s fitness remains a concern, as the midfielder has become an increasingly important player for both club and country.
The upcoming match also provides an opportunity for the U.S. Men’s National Team to test themselves against a top European opponent. The game will be a valuable experience for the American players as they continue their own preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which they will co-host.
Following Tuesday’s match against the United States, Portugal will continue their preparations for the World Cup, with further friendlies and training camps planned in the coming months. The team will be looking to build momentum and fine-tune their tactics as they aim to make a strong impression on the global stage.
Portugal’s next confirmed action will be their continued preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with details of future friendlies to be announced by the Portuguese Football Federation. Stay tuned to Archysport for the latest updates on Portugal’s World Cup journey.
What are your thoughts on Portugal’s preparations? Share your predictions for the match against the USA in the comments below!
