The USMNT will continue to prepare for the 2026 World Cup with two challenging friendly matches against two European national teams: Portugal and Belgium.
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino has been experimenting with different profiles of players in previous friendly matches ahead of the World Cup.
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Despite calling up many players over the past few months, Pochettino will make a big decision in calling up players for the March friendly matches. Pochettino will announce the USMNT squad today, March 17, 2026.
The USMNT March roster announcement is expected to be done between 9 a.m. ET to 3 p.m. ET. Fans expect Pochettino to call up players with experience, players in Europe, and players who play in the MLS.
Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino of the United States speaks to players during USMNT Training at WSFS Bank Sportsplex on November 13, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images
(Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)
Pochettino and the USMNT announced the 27-man roster for the matches against Belgium and Portugal, including star players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and more.
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When will the USMNT play Portugal and Belgium?
The USMNT will play Belgium and Portugal at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The first match will be against Belgium on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
The match against Portugal will be played on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Both friendly matches are big tests for Pochettino and the players ahead of the World Cup.
Those matches are not the last friendly matches ahead of the World Cup. The USMNT will play against Senegal on May 31, 2026, and then against Germany on June 6, 2026.
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For the matches against Senegal and Germany, Pochettino will be coaching players who will be a part of the USMNT World Cup roster.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.