The U.S. men's national team fell 2-1 to Germany in a tightly contested friendly at Soldier Field, marking another chapter in a nine‑match winless streak against European opponents.
Antonee Robinson opened the scoring with a left‑footed volley that curled into the top corner, giving the Americans a rare early lead over a side ranked among the world’s elite.
Leroy Sané answered before halftime, finishing a swift counter‑attack that restored parity and ultimately put Germany ahead in the second half, underscoring the fine margins that separate the two squads.
Christian Pulisic, operating in a more advanced role, pressed Germany’s back line for 62 minutes, creating chances and dictating tempo, though the team could not convert his efforts into a winning goal.
The match served as a live audition for the roster that will take the field in the opening game of the 2026 World Cup against Paraguay, with several positional questions still unresolved.
Center‑back Chris Richards was absent, still nursing an ankle injury, while veteran Tim Ream and Miles Robinson struggled to contain Germany’s early forays, highlighting the defensive reshuffling the U.S. must address.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese, who completed the full 90 minutes, made several key saves and appears poised to inherit the starting role, offering a glimpse of stability between the posts.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino, who oversaw the tactical experiment, indicated that the lineup used against Germany will likely be the one he fields against Paraguay, barring any last‑minute changes at the heart of defense.
Looking Ahead to the World Cup Opener
With the friendly providing a valuable rehearsal, the United States hopes to break its European drought and prove that the emerging squad can compete with the continent’s traditional powers. The performance against Germany, while ending in defeat, revealed both promising flashes and areas that require refinement before the tournament begins.