The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) is gearing up for two crucial matches against Belgium and Portugal, scheduled for March 28 and March 31, 2026, respectively. Players will report to Atlanta, Georgia, on March 22, 2026, to prepare for these important fixtures as they build momentum ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
The match against Belgium is set to kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET, while the encounter with Portugal will take place at 7 p.m. ET. This training camp will include 27 players, a significant number as the team looks to finalize its roster for the World Cup, which is just three months away.
Historically, the USMNT has played only four matches in Atlanta, with their first appearance dating back to October 27, 1968, when they secured a 1-0 victory over Canada in World Cup qualifying. The upcoming matches will provide an opportunity for the team to strengthen its cohesion and strategy as they prepare to open the World Cup group stage against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino emphasized the importance of these matches, stating, “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.” This sentiment reflects the urgency and significance of the upcoming games as the team aims to perform at its best on the world stage.
Notably, Tyler Adams has been omitted from the roster due to an undisclosed injury, raising concerns about the team’s depth and adaptability. Meanwhile, Gio Reyna has been included despite limited playing time at Borussia Monchengladbach, where he has logged only 26 Bundesliga minutes in 2026. Antonee Robinson makes his return to the squad after missing international duty in 2025 due to injury, highlighting the ongoing challenges the team faces in maintaining a healthy roster.
The USMNT has shown promising form under Pochettino, boasting a record of 8 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws in their last 12 matches. The roster for these upcoming matches includes 18 players from European clubs, showcasing the team’s growing talent pool. However, details remain unconfirmed regarding the full impact of injuries to players like Adams and Haji Wright, leaving fans and analysts alike to speculate on how these absences may affect the team’s performance.
As the USMNT prepares for its matches in Atlanta, the focus will be on building team chemistry and executing strategies that will be crucial for their World Cup campaign. With the first match against Paraguay approaching, the team will need to harness the lessons learned from these friendly matches to ensure they are ready for the challenges ahead.
In addition to the upcoming matches, the USMNT will travel to Seattle for their next game against Australia on June 19, marking their first visit to the city since 2016. This series of matches is pivotal as the team seeks to solidify its identity and readiness for the World Cup, aiming to make a significant impact on the global stage.
