World Cup Kicks Off This Week as U.S. Falls 2-1 to Germany in Final Tune-Up
The United States dropped its last warm-up before co-hosting soccer's showpiece, where 48 teams open play June 11 across three North American nations.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just days away, the United States men's national team closed out its preparations on a sour note Saturday, falling 2-1 to Germany before a sellout crowd of 63,636 at Soldier Field in Chicago — the same stadium that staged the opening match of the 1994 World Cup.
Kai Havertz put Germany ahead in the second minute, nodding home a header before many fans had settled into their seats. The Americans answered in style when left back Antonee Robinson unleashed a thunderous volley from 23 yards that drew the hosts level and briefly silenced the visiting supporters. But Germany regained control just before the hour mark, as a slick passing move released Leroy Sané for a first-time finish that proved decisive.
The four-time world champions, coached by Julian Nagelsmann, head into the tournament riding a nine-game winning streak, while the U.S. is left searching for cohesion at the worst possible moment. Coach Mauricio Pochettino's side flashed promise in patches but again struggled to defend set pieces and transition moments against elite opposition.
The result lands on the eve of the largest World Cup ever staged. The tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19, has expanded to 48 teams playing 104 matches over 39 days, and for the first time it will be co-hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico. Sixteen cities from Vancouver to Mexico City to Miami will share the load.
Mexico earns the honor of the opener, hosting South Africa on June 11 at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The co-hosts begin a day later: the United States faces Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, while Canada meets Bosnia and Herzegovina the same day. For the Americans, the group stage represents a chance to build momentum on home soil, where organizers are banking on the sport's growth in a country that will also host the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Off the field, the run-up has been bumpy. Reports of softening resale ticket prices and sluggish hotel bookings in some host markets have tempered expectations of a logistical smooth sailing, even as FIFA projects record global viewership. For the U.S. team, though, the math is simpler. After Saturday's defeat, the players have one week to turn warm-up disappointment into the kind of form that can carry a host nation deep into July.
Originally reported by ESPN.