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Germany Edges US 2-1 in Chicago Friendly

6/7/2026

Summary

Germany Defeats USA

Germany beat the United States 2-1 in a friendly at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Germany forward Kai Havertz scored a header from a free kick in the 2nd minute, his 22nd international goal.
United States defender Antonee Robinson netted his fifth international goal with a left-footed volley from 23 yards in the 37th minute.
Germany forward Leroy Sané scored the decisive goal in the 57th minute after a short pass from Havertz.
The match drew a sellout crowd of 63,636 at Soldier Field, the site of the 1994 World Cup opener.
Germany started Oliver Baumann in goal while Manuel Neuer rested, and were without midfielder Lennart Karl; the United States started Matt Freese in goal and were without defender Chris Richards, who tore ankle ligaments on May 17.
The United States open Group D against Paraguay on Friday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, and Germany begin Group E versus Curaçao on June 14.

Summary

Germany Beats USA

The United States lost 2-1 to Germany, its ninth consecutive loss to a European opponent.
The defeat marks the ninth straight loss to a European opponent, a streak that began in 2022.
Defender Antonee Robinson logged twelve defensive interventions and six ball recoveries, the most for the U.S. team.
The U.S. had ten corner kicks to Germany’s two and posted 0.8 expected goals versus Germany’s 0.43 despite the 2-1 loss.

Summary

Pochettino’s Final Test

Pochettino said the Germany friendly was the final test for his World Cup starting eleven.
United States used a 3-4-2-1 formation, the same system that worked against Senegal.
Eight U.S. substitutes—including Trusty, Reyna and McKenzie—entered at the 62nd minute after Robinson left with cramping.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann used a high-press, quick-transition style that produced both goals.
The U.S. squad lists 26 players, including Matt Freese (jersey 24) and Christian Pulisic (jersey 10).

Summary

Chicago Fire Unveils

USMNT and USWNT will wear Pride jerseys on June 6, continuing the 2017 tradition.
Chris Brady, 22, Chicago native and Fire academy product, is the first homegrown World Cup roster pick.
Soldier Field, host of the 1994 World Cup opening, will host no 2026 matches, leaving Kansas City as host.
Chicago Fire unveiled a new stadium slated for before the 2028 MLS season, the city’s first pro venue in 30 years.

History

Historical Context

After FIFA awarded the 1994 World Cup to the United States on July 4 1988, the tournament opened at Chicago’s Soldier Field on June 17 1994 and set a record 3,587,538 spectators, sparking nationwide interest that led to MLS’s 1993 launch. That legacy resurfaces today as Germany’s Kai Havertz and U.S. star Christian Pulisic meet again on the same Chicago stage.

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Germany Defeats USA

Germany beat the United States 2-1 in a friendly at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Germany forward Kai Havertz scored a header from a free kick in the 2nd minute, his 22nd international goal.
United States defender Antonee Robinson netted his fifth international goal with a left-footed volley from 23 yards in the 37th minute.
Germany forward Leroy Sané scored the decisive goal in the 57th minute after a short pass from Havertz.
The match drew a sellout crowd of 63,636 at Soldier Field, the site of the 1994 World Cup opener.
Germany started Oliver Baumann in goal while Manuel Neuer rested, and were without midfielder Lennart Karl; the United States started Matt Freese in goal and were without defender Chris Richards, who tore ankle ligaments on May 17.
The United States open Group D against Paraguay on Friday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, and Germany begin Group E versus Curaçao on June 14.

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