Much has been said about FIFA’s ticket pricing strategy ahead of the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. With many fans frustrated by the difficulty of securing World Cup tickets at affordable prices, international friendlies played in preparation for the tournament—many of them on U.S. soil—offer an important alternative. These matches provide American fans with a rare chance to watch elite national teams and world-class players live in the buildup to 2026.

Road to 26 Exhibition Series Brings Brazil and France to the U.S.

On January 8, the “Road to 26” exhibition series was officially announced. During the March international window, Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, will host a marquee clash between Brazil and France, while Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida will welcome Colombia vs. Croatia.

The teams will then flip opponents and venues. France will face Colombia near Washington, D.C., at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, while Croatia will take on Brazil in Orlando. With massive fanbases and sizable diaspora populations in the United States, Colombia and Brazil are expected to function as de facto “home” teams for these matches. France and Croatia, meanwhile, arrive with strong recent international pedigrees and expectations of deep runs at the World Cup after smooth qualification campaigns in UEFA.

Colombia and Brazil—now under the management of former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti—are expected to bring competitive squads filled with players fighting to secure a place on their final World Cup rosters. France and Croatia will use the fixtures to acclimate to playing conditions in the United States, something Colombia in particular does regularly.

The last time Colombia played a friendly in the Washington, D.C., area, they delivered a dominant victory over the United States ahead of the 2024 Copa América, in front of a heavily pro-Colombia crowd. Brazil also featured prominently in the U.S. in 2024, playing friendlies against Mexico and Team USA prior to Copa América, a tournament that ultimately proved disappointing for the Seleção.

Portugal and Belgium Set to Battle Team USA

Team USA has already announced several high-profile friendly matchups ahead of its home World Cup. The March matches will both take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where the United States will face Belgium and Portugal. While the meeting with Portugal—potentially featuring Cristiano Ronaldo—has generated significant excitement, Belgium has been one of the most consistently strong international sides of the past decade and will present a serious test for Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.

These matches will be key moments for the Argentine manager as he makes final evaluations and decisions ahead of naming his World Cup roster.

The United States is also scheduled to face Senegal and Germany in May and June, before opening the World Cup against Paraguay.

Belgium and Portugal will additionally serve as opponents for Mexico during the March international window. El Tri will split its fixtures between the United States and Mexico, with a newly remodeled Estadio Azteca hosting Portugal before Mexico travels to Chicago to face Belgium in what should be a favorable environment for the Mexican side.

While international friendlies often carry a reputation for reduced intensity, the stakes ahead of a World Cup tell a different story. With roster spots on the line and preparations entering their final phase, it is difficult to imagine players approaching these matches with anything resembling a relaxed mindset.

Main Photo Credit: IMAGO / HANZA MEDIA