USMNT Friendlies Coming to Atlanta in March
Photography by: Lorena Barros
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching, and March will be a pivotal month for the USMNT.
On the docket: two heavyweight clashes at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta that will serve as the last major audition before the 2026 roster is finalized.
The United States will face Belgium on March 28 before taking on Portugal three days later, both in Atlanta. It’s the final international window before head coach Mauricio Pochettino names his World Cup squad in late May — which means every minute, every touch, every decision will carry added weight for all those who step into camp.
“For us, this is a massive opportunity to challenge ourselves against some of the top teams in the world,” Pochettino said. “We are so happy to be playing in our new home of Atlanta.”
That phrase — “new home” — isn’t accidental. U.S. Soccer is relocating its headquarters to metro Atlanta, with a new National Training Center set to open this Spring. While the facility won’t be fully operational in March, these matches signal a symbolic shift, positioning Atlanta as the hub for the program’s future.
On the field, the tests won’t get much tougher.
Belgium, ranked eighth in the world, will likely feature stars such as Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois. The Americans have historically struggled in the matchup, including the unforgettable extra-time loss in the 2014 World Cup Round of 16. Three days later comes Portugal, fresh off its 2025 UEFA Nations League triumph and still led by Cristiano Ronaldo. The U.S. holds a more balanced record against the Portuguese, highlighted by the famous 3–2 win at the 2002 World Cup.
Beyond Atlanta, the schedule rounds out with a May 31 friendly in Charlotte against Senegal, and a June 6 send-off against Germany in Chicago.
But make no mistake, the emotional and competitive tone will be set in Georgia.
Facing three top-10 European sides before co-hosting the biggest tournament in the sport is no coincidence. The U.S. has historically found UEFA opposition to be its steepest World Cup hurdle, and these March nights in Atlanta offer a chance to confront that reality head-on.
By the time the World Cup kicks off on June 12 in California, the roster will be locked and the expectations sky-high, but this set of friendlies in Atlanta will give the United States an idea of where they stand against some of the world’s best. Mark your calendars.
