Portugal and the United States of America go head-to-head in an international friendly in Atlanta on Wednesday as both sides prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Americans have a surprisingly good record against the Seleção das Quinas. They share two wins apiece from their six previous meetings, drawing the other three.
USA have not lost to Portugal in 36 years and are unbeaten against them in competitive matches, having beaten them at the 2002 World Cup and drawing with them at Brazil 2014.
USA vs Portugal – Match preview and team news
- Date: Wednesday, 1st April
- Kick-off: 12am BST
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
- Last meeting: Portugal 1-1 USA, international friendly, 14th November 2017
USA team news
Mauricio Pochettino has named a 27-man squad for the March camp. The group includes Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson and Folarin Balogun, while Patrick Schulte was added after Roman Celentano was withdrawn to avoid a potential injury risk.
Following a heavy defeat to Belgium, head coach Mauricio Pochettino must navigate the absence of captain Tyler Adams, who is sidelined with an MCL issue.
The backline is further depleted as Sergiño Dest, Haji Wright, and Miles Robinson are all unavailable due to various muscle strains.
While Chris Richards remains a game-time decision to anchor the defence, Pochettino is expected to rotate his goalkeepers, potentially handing Matt Freese a start over Matt Turner.
The focus remains on defensive cohesion and testing depth players as the squad enters its final preparation phase before the 2026 World Cup.
Portugal team news
Roberto Martínez’s side is also dealing with several major absences. Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the game because of a hamstring injury, while Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva have also stayed out to manage discomfort, and Diogo Costa is a doubt because of an adductor problem.
That leaves Bruno Fernandes as one of the main leaders in the squad, with the midfielder close to climbing Portugal’s all-time scoring list.
Martinez is expected to give more minutes to younger technical players such as Vitinha and João Neves, making this a useful test of Portugal’s depth and balance.
Form
USA: DWWWL
The USMNT enters this match reeling from a humbling 5-2 defeat against Belgium on March 28. Despite an early lead provided by Weston McKennie in the 39th minute and a late consolation goal from Patrick Agyemang, the American defence collapsed in the second half. Statistically, the U.S. struggled to maintain control, allowing 21 shots on target. Matt Turner’s return to the lineup was difficult, as he conceded five goals from 10 shots on target.
Portugal: WDLWD
Portugal heads into tonight’s friendly following a frustrating 0-0 draw against Mexico. While Roberto Martínez’s side dominated the match with a commanding 67% possession, they lacked clinical finishing in the final third without Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal recorded 10 total shots but managed only two on target, reflecting a struggle to break down a low-block defence.
Predicted lineups
USA: Freese; Weah, Richards, McKenzie, A. Robinson; Tessmann, Roldan; Pulisic, McKennie, Reyna; Pepi
Portugal: R. Silva; Cancelo, Inacio, Veiga, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha; Neto, B. Fernandes, Felix; Ramos
How to watch USA vs Portugal?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Premier Sports 2. In the United States it will be shown on TNT, truTV, HBO Max and Peacock. There will also be Spanish language broadcasts on Telemundo and Universo.
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