Full Breakdown
United States vs Germany – Final Pre-World Cup Friendly
6/6/2026, 8:50:26 PM
Match Details
The USMNT meets four-time champion Germany on 6 June 2026 at Soldier Field, Chicago. Kick-off is 2:30 p.m. ET (11:30 a.m. PT). Broadcasters: TBS, HBO Max, Telemundo, Universo, Peacock.
Context
The US entered after a 3-2 win over Senegal, following 0-2 and 2-5 defeats to Portugal and Belgium. Germany arrived on a five-match winning streak, highlighted by 4-0 over Finland (31 May) and 6-0 over Slovakia; ranked 10th and unbeaten in eight games.
Key Figures
US coach Mauricio Pochettino has not released a lineup; center-back Chris Richards is out with an ankle injury. Regulars include Christian Pulisic, Matt Freese, Antonee Robinson, Tim Ream, Mark McKenzie, Tyler Adams and Folarin Balogun. Germany, under Julian Nagelsmann, is expected to start Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Leroy Sané, Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz and Lennart Karl.
Stats
In five recent games the US has three wins, two losses, 12 goals for and 11 against; Germany has five wins, 15 scored, five conceded, an eight-match unbeaten run with 26 goals.
Impact
The friendly is the final test before the World Cup. A strong US showing could boost confidence against a top-10 side; Germany seeks to confirm its attack after group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022.
Official Responses
Pochettino called the match “a great opportunity after Senegal” and said the team “wanted to play against the best in our preparation for the World Cup.” He added that “a few players are not going to be involved.” US Soccer called it the “Coca-Cola Send-Off Match.” Nagelsmann has not commented.
Opposition
Analysts cite US defensive lapses—ten shots on target versus Senegal—and Richards’ absence as a transition risk. Critics also question Pochettino’s heavy rotation, fearing it hinders cohesion. Germany’s depth, with Sané, Musiala and Wirtz, poses a challenge.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Chris Richards’ availability: some list him as ruled out, others note he is training but not yet cleared. No official US lineup has been released.
Quotes
- “What we need to do from the beginning is to prepare in the best way that all the players have the possibility to play or to compete.” — Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT head coach
- “Today he’s training, but still he’s not ready to compete, to play.” — Mauricio Pochettino on Chris Richards
- “We wanted to play against the best in our preparation for the World Cup.” — Mauricio Pochettino
- “He’s an important piece of the group: his energy, his leadership on and off the field, and so obviously we’re all behind him and can’t wait to have him back.” — Weston McKennie, USMNT midfielder
Future
The US opens Group D on 12 June vs Paraguay in Los Angeles. Germany begins Group E on 14 June vs Curaçao in Houston. Both sides will use the Chicago result to fine-tune tactics.
