United States fall to Portugal in pre-World Cup friendly | OneFootball

By Dylan Butler

The United States fell to Portugal, 2-0, in the final tune-up before head coach Mauricio Pochettino announces his squad for this summer's 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Tuesday's loss in front of 72,297 fans at Atlanta United's Mercedes-Benz Stadium came on the heels of a 5-2 defeat to Belgium Saturday in Atlanta.

Capitalizing on a turnover in the midfield, Francisco Trincão put Portugal, No. 5 in the FIFA world rankings, in front on 37 minutes. The Sporting CP midfielder tucked his shot inside the far post to put the finishing touches on a quick counterattack. 

Before the opening goal, New York City FC's Matt Freese made a sensational diving save to deny Bruno Fernandes, and Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter put a curling shot from distance on frame before it was parried away by goalkeeper José Sá in what was largely a positive first half for the USMNT. 

Portugal doubled their lead just before the hour mark, with João Félix settling a Fernandes corner kick from just outside the box before lashing a side-footed shot in off the post.

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