The United States Men’s National Team heads into 2026 with everything on the line. Not only will they be competing in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on home soil for the first time since 1994, but they’ll also be doing it under the guidance of a new coach. Mauricio Pochettino has taken over the reins following Gregg Berhalter’s departure, and he’s already made an impact. The US Men’s Soccer 2026 Schedule features a mix of International Friendly Fixtures, camps, high-profile friendlies, and high-stakes FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.
After a disappointing Copa América campaign in the summer, the team has found its form, racking up impressive wins and establishing a winning mentality heading into the tournament. The USMNT’s path to the World Cup starts with critical preparation work in early 2026. The federation has scheduled a pair of friendlies in March at the brand new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, which will serve as the team’s primary training base.
These Internationally Friendly Soccer matches against Portugal and Belgium will be essential tune-ups against solid European opposition, particularly since the tournament won’t begin until mid-June.
Pochettino has emphasized his commitment to working exclusively with his 26-player World Cup squad during these friendlies, avoiding the complications that come with calling up additional players. This approach allows him to finalize his setup and ensure everyone is on the same page tactically.
Following the March window, the team will have a couple of final tune-up matches in late May and early June.
The first will take place on the East Coast—likely in Charlotte against an opponent to be determined after the World Cup draw on December 5. The final send-off match is confirmed to take place in Chicago against Germany on a date in early June, providing fans in the Midwest with a chance to rally around the team before the tournament begins.
US Men’s Soccer 2026 Schedule and Events
The USMNT will begin their World Cup campaign on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. This marks the only World Cup match the U.S. will play on American soil since 1994, making it historically significant.
The opener against their Group D opponent will draw massive attention, with the advantage of a home crowd behind them.
The team will remain on the West Coast for their next two matches. On June 19, they head to Seattle’s Lumen Field for their second group match.
The Lumen Field is known for its intimidating atmosphere, and having American fans behind them again will be a huge advantage. The USMNT will then return to the Los Angeles area for their final group stage match on June 25, again at SoFi Stadium.
This US Men’s Soccer 2026 Schedule is incredibly favorable for Pochettino’s side. Minimal travel, consistent time zones, and a reliable fan base make the group stage setup as comfortable as possible for a host nation.
The team will use the Los Angeles area as a base camp throughout these early matches, allowing for minimal disruption and maximum preparation.
Here is the full list of the US Men’s Soccer 2026 Schedule below –
| Date | Match | Venue | Competition | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 28, 2026 | USMNT vs Belgium | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA | Friendly | Confirmed |
| March 31, 2026 | USMNT vs Portugal | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA | Friendly | Confirmed |
| May 29–31, 2026 | USMNT vs TBD | Charlotte, NC (East Coast) | Friendly | Planned |
| June 5-7, 2026 | USMNT vs Germany | Soldier Field, Chicago, IL | Friendly (Send-Off) | Planned |
| June 12, 2026 | USMNT vs Group D Opponent 2 | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA | World Cup Group D | Confirmed |
| June 19, 2026 | USMNT vs Group D Opponent 3 | Lumen Field, Seattle, WA | World Cup Group D | Confirmed |
| June 25, 2026 | USMNT vs Group D Opponent 4 | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA | World Cup Group D | Confirmed |
| June 28 – July 3, 2026 | Round of 32 | TBD (Based on Group Finish) | World Cup Knockout | Contingent |
| July 4-7, 2026 | Round of 16 | TBD (Based on Group Finish) | World Cup Knockout | Contingent |
| July 9-11, 2026 | Quarterfinals | TBD (Based on Group Finish) | World Cup Knockout | Contingent |
| July 14-15, 2026 | Semifinals | TBD (Based on Group Finish) | World Cup Knockout | Contingent |
| July 18 or 19, 2026 | Final or Third Place Match | TBD | World Cup Final | Contingent |
If the USMNT finishes as Group D winners, they’ll remain on the West Coast for their Round of 32 match at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. However, that rarely happens the U.S. has only won their group once in World Cup history, back in 2010.
More likely, a second-place finish would see them travel to Arlington, Texas for their first knockout match at AT&T Stadium, which will host more matches than any other venue during the tournament. From there, the paths get complicated.
A potential Round of 16 match could take them to Atlanta, Georgia, while a quarterfinal appearance might send them to Kansas City, Missouri.
Third-place finishers who advance could find themselves in a variety of locations, including potentially back East at Foxborough, Massachusetts or East Rutherford, New Jersey. The specifics depend on how other groups play out and the seeding of the tournament.
The semifinals are scheduled for July 14-15, while the final takes place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The third-place match is on July 18.
A New Era Under Pochettino
Mauricio Pochettino has already proven himself to be a different kind of leader. His recent 5-1 demolition of Uruguay showed a team playing with structure, confidence, and tactical maturity.
He’s shifted the USMNT to a three-defender setup that has worked wonders defensively while still allowing the attacking prowess of Christian Pulisic and other offensive talent to shine through.
The focus on working exclusively with his 26-man squad means that every camp from March onward is an audition for World Cup spots. Players know that the time to make their case is now.
There’s no room for development or experimental call-ups—everyone invited understands they’re competing for one of those precious 26 spots.
Training Infrastructure
The U.S. Soccer Federation has been preparing extensively for this tournament. The new training center in Fayetteville, Georgia, is set to open in March and will serve as the USMNT’s primary base.
This facility represents a massive investment in the program and will host a significant portion of the team’s preparation work in May and June leading up to the World Cup.
The decision to use Atlanta as the home base for much of the preparation, including the March friendlies, reflects a strategic geographical choice that keeps the team in the central United States while providing excellent facilities and fan support.
Squad Building and Depth
One of the big stories heading into 2026 is the defensive depth. Pochettino has options at center back with Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Max Arfsten, and newcomers like Miles Robinson and potential wildcard selections.
The fullback situation looks solid with Sergino Dest proving himself capable on the left wing-back position and Alex Freeman providing options on the right.
Christian Pulisic remains the undisputed star and main attacking focal point, but the emergence of talents like Folarin Balogun up front and the continued development of players like Weston McKennie in midfield gives the team multiple ways to create threats.
What’s at Stake
For the United States, this isn’t just another World Cup. Playing on home soil creates unique pressure but also provides unmatched advantages.
Fans will fill stadiums, media attention will be at an all-time high, and there’s a genuine expectation that the team can make a deep run into the knockout stages.
Pochettino knows that the early tournament success against Uruguay and recent form suggest the team has turned a corner. The March friendlies against top European opposition will provide the first real test of whether this form is legitimate or a flash in the pan.
The June send-off against Germany in Chicago will be everyone’s last chance to assess the team before the real tournament begins.
With the draw taking place on December 5, opponents for the group stage will finally be confirmed. But regardless of who they face, the USMNT’s home-field advantage and Pochettino’s tactical acumen give them a genuine chance to make a statement at the 2026 World Cup.
Ticket Information and Broadcasting
Fans across North America will have multiple ways to catch the USMNT’s 2026 World Cup campaign, with broadcasting rights split between several major networks. The matches will be available on both traditional television and streaming platforms, ensuring accessibility regardless of how fans prefer to watch.
Television Coverage
The primary broadcast home for USMNT matches in the United States will be on Fox, which holds the exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights for all 2026 World Cup matches.
This US Men’s Soccer 2026 Schedule includes all group stage games, knockout rounds, and the final. For Spanish-language audiences, Telemundo will provide comprehensive coverage with their signature play-by-play and expert analysis.
In Canada, TSN and RDS will carry the matches, while Mexican broadcasters will handle coverage south of the border.
The decision to split coverage between English and Spanish language networks reflects the diverse soccer fanbase across North America and ensures that viewers can watch in their preferred language.
| Date | Match | Venue | Competition | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 2026 | USMNT vs Portugal | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA | Friendly | Confirmed |
| March 2026 | USMNT vs Belgium | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA | Friendly | Confirmed |
| May 2026 | USMNT vs TBD | Charlotte, NC (East Coast) | Friendly | Planned |
| June 2026 | USMNT vs Germany | Soldier Field, Chicago, IL | Friendly (Send-Off) | Planned |
| June 12, 2026 | USMNT vs Group D Opponent 2 | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA | World Cup Group D | Confirmed |
| June 19, 2026 | USMNT vs Group D Opponent 3 | Lumen Field, Seattle, WA | World Cup Group D | Confirmed |
| June 25, 2026 | USMNT vs Group D Opponent 4 | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA | World Cup Group D | Confirmed |