United States fall to Portugal in pre-World Cup friendly

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·1 de abril de 2026

United States fall to Portugal in pre-World Cup friendly

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.

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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.

Goals

37' - POR - Francisco Trincão | WATCH
59' - POR - João Félix | WATCH

Lineups

Three Things

THE BIG PICTURE: In a step up in competition, the USMNT put in a strong effort in the opening 45 minutes, but were punished for not being clean enough in both boxes. Portugal, meanwhile, made the most of their chances, showing why they are No. 5 in the FIFA rankings.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH: João Félix essentially put the game on ice, settling a Bruno Fernandes corner kick and finishing inside the far post.

João Félix had time to pick the corner out perfectly 🎯
– miércoles, 1 de abril de 2026

MAN OF THE MATCH: Did Matt Freese lock up the No. 1 spot in net for the USMNT? He was solid on the night, making a bevy of big saves to keep the match close.