ATLANTA, Georgia – The United States Men’s National Team will face Belgium and Portugal later this month in a pair of high-stakes friendlies at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, manager Mauricio Pochettino announced on Monday. The 27-player roster, headlined by AC Milan attacker Christian Pulisic, Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, and Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards, represents a key checkpoint in preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the U.S. Will co-host with Canada and Mexico.
These matches, scheduled for March 28th against Belgium and March 31st against Portugal, are not simply warm-up games. Both opponents are currently ranked within the top 10 of FIFA’s world rankings, offering a genuine test of Pochettino’s squad and a valuable opportunity to refine tactics and assess player form ahead of the tournament. The U.S. Will begin assembling in Atlanta on March 22nd, signaling the start of an intense preparation period.
Pulisic and McKennie Central to Pochettino’s Plans
Pulisic and McKennie, both established stars in European soccer, are expected to play pivotal roles in the upcoming friendlies and, crucially, at the 2026 World Cup. Pulisic, currently with AC Milan, has consistently been a key attacking threat for the USMNT, whereas McKennie provides a dynamic presence in midfield. Richards’ inclusion further bolsters the defensive line, offering Pochettino a reliable option at center back.
Pochettino emphasized the importance of treating these games with the intensity of a World Cup match. “We must treat these games like they are a part of the World Cup, and what is most important is that the players bring the right mentality and commitment to the group,” he said, according to ESPN. This statement underscores the significance Pochettino places on building a cohesive and focused team environment as the tournament draws closer.
Roster Highlights and Notable Inclusions
The roster features a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talent. Gio Reyna, currently with Borussia Mönchengladbach, returns to the squad, offering Pochettino another creative option in midfield. The inclusion of Reyna, despite limited playing time at his club, suggests Pochettino values his international experience and potential impact.
Several players are unavailable due to injury. AFC Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams was ruled out with an undisclosed injury, opening the door for Sebastian Berhalter of the Vancouver Whitecaps and Middlesbrough’s Aidan Morris to earn call-ups. The absence of Adams, a key defensive midfielder, will be felt, but it provides an opportunity for Berhalter and Morris to showcase their abilities on the international stage.
Goalkeeping and Defensive Depth
The goalkeeping contingent includes Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati), Matt Freese (Modern York City FC), and Matt Turner (New England Revolution). Turner, a seasoned international, is likely to start, but the competition for the backup spots will be fierce.
Defensively, Pochettino has assembled a strong group featuring Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach), and Auston Trusty (Celtic). This depth provides Pochettino with tactical flexibility and the ability to adapt to different opponents.
Midfield Options and Attacking Power
The midfield will witness competition from Sebastian Berhalter, Johnny Cardoso (Atlético Madrid), Weston McKennie, Aidan Morris, Gio Reyna, Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Tanner Tessmann (Lyon), and Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen). The blend of experience and youth in this area will be crucial for controlling the tempo of matches and creating scoring opportunities.
Up front, Pochettino has selected Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Patrick Agyemang (Derby County), Folarin Balogun (Mónaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Christian Pulisic, and Tim Weah (Olympique Marseille). Pulisic and Balogun are expected to lead the attack, but the other forwards will be eager to make their mark.
Looking Ahead: Belgium and Portugal Await
The matches against Belgium and Portugal will provide a stern test for the USMNT. Belgium, boasting a wealth of attacking talent, will challenge the American defense, while Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, will pose a threat with their technical skill and experience. These friendlies will offer Pochettino a valuable opportunity to assess his team’s readiness for the challenges that lie ahead in the 2026 World Cup.
The U.S. Ended 2025 on a three-game winning streak and unbeaten in five matches against World Cup-qualified opponents, building momentum heading into this crucial international window. Pochettino acknowledged the quality of the opposition, stating, “We are playing top-level teams,” and emphasizing the importance of performing well against them.
The final 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be announced on May 26th, and these upcoming friendlies will undoubtedly play a significant role in Pochettino’s selection process. For fans, these matches represent a first glimpse of what the U.S. Team might look like on home soil next year.
The USMNT’s next confirmed action is the friendly against Belgium on March 28th at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Kick-off is scheduled for [verify and insert local time + UTC if possible]. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the USMNT and the road to the 2026 World Cup.
What are your predictions for the USMNT’s performance in these friendlies? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
