Preview, form guide, head-to-head record, team news and full broadcast details for USMNT vs Portugal in a friendly clash at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium takes centre stage this Tuesday, March 31, at 19:00 ET (16:00 PT / 01:00 CEST / 00:00 GMT) for a high-profile USMNT vs Portugal friendly match. This games serves as one of the final opportunities for Mauricio Pochettino to assess his squad before naming his roster for the 2026 World Cup in early June.
The Americans arrive in Georgia seeking an immediate response after a humbling 5-2 defeat to Belgium on Saturday. Meanwhile, Roberto Martínez’s Portugal enter the match following a 0-0 draw against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.
The atmosphere in Atlanta is expected to be massive, with the USMNT looking to snap a streak of defensive lapses against top-tier European opposition. For the hosts, it is a chance to prove they can compete with the global elite after conceding five goals in their previous outing despite an early lead from Weston McKennie.
For Portugal, winners of the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League, the match is a vital tune-up as they are widely considered among the favourites for the upcoming World Cup.
Team news & injury updates
USMNT
Mauricio Pochettino is managing a crisis in central defence. Miles Robinson and Chris Richards were both ruled out prior to the Belgium match, forcing an experimental backline that struggled under pressure. Further concerns include midfielder Johnny Cardoso and goalkeeper Roman Celentano, who have been dealing with knocks. On a positive note, Fulham defender Antonee Robinson successfully returned to action against Belgium, providing an assist in his first appearance since late 2024.
Goalkeeper Matt Turner failed to impress in his rare start against Belgium, and Matt Freese is expected to retake his spot for the visit of Portugal.
Portugal
The biggest headline for the visitors is the absence of several key veterans. Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, and Rúben Dias were omitted from the squad for this window to manage their workload following a demanding domestic season. Additionally, winger Rafael Leão and young talent Rodrigo Mora have dealt with recent physical complaints.
In goal, first-choice keeper Diogo Costa is sidelined with an adductor injury, leaving Rui Silva likely to start.
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Head-to-Head (H2H) Records
Historically, this has been an incredibly balanced fixture. The teams have met seven times, with the U.S. holding an even 2W-2L-3D record. The last time the two sides faced each other was in November 2017, when McKennie netted on his debut to help USMNT grab a 1-1 draw in a friendly clash on Portuguese soil.
Last 3 Meetings:
- 14/11/2017: Portugal 1-1 USA (Friendly)
- 22/06/2014: USA 2-2 Portugal (World Cup)
- 05/06/2002: USA 3-2 Portugal (World Cup)
USMNT vs Portugal probable line-ups
| Position | USMNT Predicted XI | Portugal Predicted XI |
| Goalkeeper | Matt Freese | Rui Silva |
| Defence | Weah, McKenzie, Ream, A. Robinson | Nunes, Silva, Veiga, Mendes |
| Midfield | Tessmann, Cardoso, McKennie | João Neves, Costa, B. Fernandes |
| Attack | Tillman, Pulisic, Balogun | Conceição, João Félix, Gonçalo Ramos |
Tactical analysis: How the game will be won
Defensive stability vs. high-level control
The tactical narrative centres on the USMNT’s ability to stabilise their backline. Pochettino has stressed that his side must be “much better defensively” and maintain focus for the full 90 minutes. They will likely look to use the vertical speed of Tim Weah to stretch a Portugal defence missing Rúben Dias.
Manager insight
Roberto Martínez has implemented a fluid 4-3-3 system that thrives on the vision of Bruno Fernandes. Even without Ronaldo, Portugal excel at ball retention and creating overloads in the final third. For the U.S., the challenge is to prevent being threatened by high-quality transitions, a recurring issue in matches against top-ten ranked opponents.
Where to watch USMNT vs Portugal
The match kicks off on Tuesday, March 31, at 19:00 ET (16:00 PT / 01:00 CEST / 00:00 GMT) from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
For fans in the United States, the game will be televised on TNT and truTV. It is also available to stream via Max (formerly HBO Max) and Peacock. Meanwhile, fans in the UK can watch the match live on Premier Sports 2.
Market insights & probability
According to current market data, Portugal enter as the favourites with a 58% win probability, reflecting their superior squad depth. The USMNT’s chances of an upset are valued at 21%, with the draw sitting at 21%. Market analysis suggests a strong likelihood of goals, with “Over 2.5 goals” trending for matches involving the U.S. under Pochettino.
